Realisation or Realization: Which Spelling is Correct?

When it comes to the spelling of “realisation” or “realization,” there is a difference between British English and American English.

Both spellings are correct, but they are used in different regions of the English-speaking world.

In British English, “realisation” is the preferred spelling, while in American English, “realization” is the more commonly used spelling. This is not surprising, as there are many spelling differences between British and American English.

Both spellings have the same meaning. Both ‘realisation’ and ‘realization’ refer to the act of understanding or becoming aware of something. The difference lies in the spelling, with ‘realisation’ being the British English spelling and ‘realization’ being the American English spelling.

The spelling variation between ‘realisation’ and ‘realization’ is due to the difference in spelling conventions between British and American English. British English tends to use ‘-ise’ spellings, while American English tends to use ‘-ize’ spellings.

Here’s a breakdown of the usage level of each spelling in different English-speaking countries:

As you can see, “realisation” is used more in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, while “realization” is used more in the United States and Canada.

If you are writing for a British audience, it is recommended to use ‘realisation’, while if you are writing for an American audience, it is recommended to use ‘realization’. However, if you are writing for an international audience or are unsure of the audience’s preference, it is best to choose one spelling and use it consistently throughout your writing.

Historical Linguistic Perspectives

The spelling of the word “realisation” or “realization” may be complex, but historical linguistics can provide some insights into the origins of these spellings.

One of the earliest forms of the word was “realize,” which originated from the Latin word “realis.” This Latin word means “real,” “actual,” or “genuine.” The word “realisation” likely came from the French language, which borrowed the Latin word “realis” and added the suffix “-ation” to create a noun form.

Over time, the spelling of “realisation” has become more common in British English, while “realization” is more common in American English. This is likely due to differences in language conventions and spelling preferences between the two countries.

Interestingly, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) recognizes both spellings as correct, but notes that “realization” is the more common spelling in American English. Similarly, Cambridge Dictionary also recognizes both spellings as correct, but notes that “realisation” is more common in British English.

The Greek language has also influenced the spelling of “realisation” through the use of the suffix “-isation.” This suffix is commonly used in Greek loanwords in English and can be seen in words like “civilization” and “polarization.”

Take note that the difference in spelling is not limited to the word “realisation/realization” only. All derivatives of the verb, including “realised/realized,” “realising/realizing,” and “realisation/realization,” follow the same spelling rules.

The spelling of “realisation/realization” depends on the region where you are writing. It is crucial to use the appropriate spelling to avoid confusion and be consistent with the spelling rules of the region.