Visualise vs. Visualize — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Visualise is British English spelling, while Visualize is American English spelling; both mean to form a mental image.
Difference Between Visualise and Visualize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Visualise and Visualize both refer to the act of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses. In British English, "Visualise" is the preferred spelling, whereas in American English, "Visualize" takes precedence.
Both spellings come from the root word "visual," which relates to seeing or sight. However, the difference in spelling is due to regional variations in English. Like many other words that end in "-ise" in British English, American English has adopted the "-ize" ending for "Visualize".
Both words have the same etymology and essentially the same usage in sentences; they are simply regional variants of the same term.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
Usage
Common in UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries
Predominantly used in the US
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Etymology
Derived from "visual" with the British "-ise" suffix
Derived from "visual" with the American "-ize" suffix
Example sentence
"Can you visualise the outcome?"
"Can you visualize the outcome?"
Pronunciation
VIZH-ooa-lize
VIZH-ooa-lize
Compare with Definitions
Visualise
To make something visible to the eye.
This chart helps to visualise the data.
Visualize
To represent by a visual image or illustration.
They used a model to visualize the product.
Visualise
To anticipate or foresee something.
He could not visualise his future in that company.
Visualize
To predict or see something in one's mind.
He couldn't visualize life without her.
Visualise
To depict something graphically.
They used software to visualise the architectural plans.
Visualize
To form a mental image or vision of.
She tried to visualize the possibilities.
Visualise
To imagine or see something in the mind.
I tried to visualise the scene she described.
Visualize
To render visible or tangible.
The teacher used props to visualize the lesson.
Visualise
To represent something abstract as if it were visual.
The poem helps to visualise emotions.
Visualize
Visualize is a video release by Def Leppard. A compilation of promo videos, interviews, and concert footage.
Visualise
(transitive) To envisage, or form a mental picture of.
Visualize
To form a mental image of; envisage
Tried to visualize the scene as it was described.
Visualise
(transitive) To make (something) visible.
Visualize
To engage in psychological visualization with regard to (pain or a body process, for example).
Visualise
View the outline of by means of an X-ray;
The radiologist can visualize the cancerous liver
Visualize
To render visible, as in an image or representation
"Movies have always been keen to visualize the gorier details of ocular trauma" (Dennis Lim).
Visualise
For a mental picture of something that is invisible or abstract;
Mathematicians often visualize
Visualize
To produce an image or visual representation of (an internal body part or action, for example) by radiological or other technology.
Visualise
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Visualize
To form a mental image.
Visualise
Make visible;
With this machine, ultrasound can be visualized
Visualize
Alternative spelling of visualise
Visualize
To make visual, or visible.
Visualize
To see in the imagination; to form a mental image of.
No one who has not seen them [glaciers] can possibly visualize them.
Visualize
To form a mental image of something not present before the eye at the time.
Visualize
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Visualize
View the outline of by means of an X-ray;
The radiologist can visualize the cancerous liver
Visualize
For a mental picture of something that is invisible or abstract;
Mathematicians often visualize
Visualize
Make visible;
With this machine, ultrasound can be visualized
Visualize
To make perceptible to the mind or imagination.
This graph helps to visualize the trends.
Common Curiosities
Which spelling is British - Visualise or Visualize?
Visualise is the British spelling.
Why are there two different spellings - Visualise and Visualize?
Regional variations in English led to the two different spellings.
Which one is used in American English - Visualise or Visualize?
Visualize is the American English spelling.
Do both Visualise and Visualize have the same meaning?
Yes, both mean to form a mental image.
Can I use Visualise in American publications?
While understandable, Visualize is the preferred spelling in American publications.
Are there other words like Visualise and Visualize that differ in American and British English?
Yes, many words have "-ise" in British English and "-ize" in American English.
Which is more common globally, Visualise or Visualize?
It depends on the region; Visualise is common in British-influenced regions, while Visualize is common in the US.
Is the usage of Visualise and Visualize interchangeable?
While the meaning is the same, usage depends on regional preferences.
How do I pronounce Visualise and Visualize?
Both are pronounced as VIZH-ooa-lize.
Do Visualise and Visualize have synonyms?
Yes, words like "picture," "imagine," or "envision" can be synonyms.
Which version, Visualise or Visualize, is older?
Both have roots in Latin and Greek, but the "-ize" form can be traced back to Old Greek. The preference for one over the other is more about regional evolution than age.
In academic writing, should I stick to one form, either Visualise or Visualize?
Yes, consistency is key; use the form preferred in your region or by the publication.
Do software or applications differentiate between Visualise and Visualize?
Many do, especially spell checkers that are region-specific.
Is the verb form the only instance where Visualise and Visualize differ?
No, derivatives like visualisation/visualization also exhibit this difference.
Are there specific fields where Visualise or Visualize is used more frequently?
Both terms are widely used, but fields like design, psychology, and data analysis might use them more frequently.
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Written 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.
