Neutralise vs. Neutralize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 15, 2024
Neutralise and Neutralize both mean to make ineffective by counteracting, but differ primarily in spelling between British and American English.
Difference Between Neutralise and Neutralize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Neutralise is the preferred spelling in British English, used when referring to the act of making something ineffective or counteracting its effects. For instance, neutralising an acidic substance involves adding a base to balance its pH level. On the other hand, Neutralize is the American English spelling of the same term. It is commonly used in both scientific contexts, such as neutralizing an acid, and military contexts, where it might refer to rendering an enemy force harmless.
While neutralise might appear in international treaties or documents that follow British English conventions, neutralize is more likely to be found in American publications and documents, reflecting the linguistic preferences of the United States.
Neutralise often carries the same range of meanings as neutralize, encompassing actions from chemical reactions to making something harmless or ineffective, such as neutralising a threat.
However, despite these spelling differences, the context and usage of neutralise and neutralize remain the same across English-speaking countries, illustrating the flexibility and variability of the English language.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
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Usage Context
Often used in scientific, military, and political contexts
Same as neutralise, with no difference in contexts
Example Usage
"The spill was neutralised with lime."
"The spill was neutralized with lime."
Pronunciation
/ˈnjuːtrəlaɪz/ in British English
/ˈnuːtrəlaɪz/ in American English
International Use
Preferred in countries using British English
Preferred in the United States and countries using American English
Compare with Definitions
Neutralise
To make chemically neutral.
They neutralised the acidic soil with alkaline materials.
Neutralize
To make (something) ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect.
The ventilation system neutralized the smoke immediately.
Neutralise
To make (something) ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect.
Scientists neutralised the toxic gas with a chemical reaction.
Neutralize
To counteract the effect of (an action or power).
The new policy neutralizes previous restrictions.
Neutralise
To counteract the effect of (an action or power).
The peace talks were designed to neutralise tensions in the region.
Neutralize
To render (votes or a decision) ineffective.
The opposing sides' votes neutralized each other.
Neutralise
To render (an enemy or threat) harmless.
The special forces neutralised the threat efficiently.
Neutralize
To render (an enemy or threat) harmless.
The operation was a success; the enemy was neutralized.
Neutralise
To render (votes or a decision) ineffective.
The abstentions essentially neutralised the impact of the vote.
Neutralize
To make chemically neutral.
Adding baking soda to vinegar will neutralize the acid.
Neutralise
(British spelling) neutralize
Neutralize
To make neutral.
Neutralise
Make incapable of military action
Neutralize
To counterbalance or counteract the effect of; render ineffective.
Neutralise
Make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of;
Her optimism neutralizes his gloom
This action will negate the effect of my efforts
Neutralize
To declare neutral and therefore inviolable during a war.
Neutralise
Make chemically neutral;
She neutralized the solution
Neutralize
To make (a solution) neutral.
Neutralize
To cause (an acid or base) to undergo neutralization.
Neutralize
(Medicine) To counteract the effect of (a drug or toxin).
Neutralize
(transitive) To make even, inactive or ineffective.
The antidote neutralised the toxin.
Neutralize
(transitive) To make (a territory, etc.) politically neutral.
Neutralize
To make (an acidic or alkaline substance) chemically neutral.
Neutralize
To render neutral; to reduce to a state of neutrality.
So here I am neutralized again.
Neutralize
To render inert or imperceptible the peculiar affinities of, as a chemical substance; to destroy the effect of; as, to neutralize an acid with a base.
Neutralize
To destroy the peculiar properties or opposite dispositions of; to reduce to a state of indifference or inefficiency; to counteract; to render ineffective; as, to neutralize parties in government; to neutralize efforts, opposition, etc.
Counter citations that neutralize each other.
Neutralize
Make politically neutral and thus inoffensive;
The treaty neutralized the small republic
Neutralize
Make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of;
Her optimism neutralizes his gloom
This action will negate the effect of my efforts
Neutralize
Oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions;
This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues
Neutralize
Make incapable of military action
Neutralize
Make chemically neutral;
She neutralized the solution
Common Curiosities
Are there contexts where one spelling is preferred over the other?
The preference depends on the regional spelling conventions; British English favors "neutralise," and American English prefers "neutralize."
Is there a difference in pronunciation between neutralise and neutralize?
Pronunciation differences are minimal and primarily reflect the general differences between British and American English accents.
Do neutralise and neutralize have the same meanings?
Yes, both spellings carry the same range of meanings across various contexts.
Can neutralise/neutralize be used in a non-scientific context?
Yes, they can also refer to making any threat, action, or entity ineffective or harmless.
Does the choice between neutralise and neutralize affect the clarity of communication in international contexts?
Generally, the choice does not affect clarity as the context usually makes the meaning clear.
Can software and spell checkers adapt to both spellings of neutralise/neutralize?
Yes, most modern software can adapt to both spellings based on the language setting (British or American English).
Is one form of the word more common globally?
"Neutralize" may be more common globally due to the influence of American English, but both forms are well understood.
What is the main difference between neutralise and neutralize?
The main difference is spelling; "neutralise" is used in British English, while "neutralize" is used in American English.
Is the usage of neutralise vs. neutralize affected by international English standards?
International standards may prefer one spelling over the other based on the originating body's location or policy.
Are there any grammatical differences between neutralise and neutralize?
There are no grammatical differences; the variation is purely orthographic.
Can neutralise and neutralize be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably, depending on the spelling conventions of the country.
How do dictionaries handle the spelling variations of neutralise and neutralize?
Dictionaries typically list both spellings, noting the regional usage preferences.
How should writers choose between neutralise and neutralize?
Writers should choose based on the intended audience's regional spelling conventions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
