Harmonise vs. Harmonize: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Harmonise" is the British English spelling, while "harmonize" is the American English spelling for the act of making things harmonious or congruent.
Difference Between Harmonise and Harmonize
"Harmonise" and "harmonize" both refer to the act of creating harmony or congruence, particularly in the context of music or coordinating elements to function well together. The key difference between these two words lies not in their meaning but in their usage based on regional spelling conventions. Essentially, they are variations of the same word adapted to the linguistic norms of different English-speaking regions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In British English, many words that end in "-ize" in American English instead end with "-ise". Hence, "harmonise" is the preferred and accepted spelling in regions like the UK, Australia, and other countries that follow British English conventions. In contrast, "harmonize" is the standardized form in American English and is consistently used in the United States.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
The choice between "harmonise" and "harmonize" is strictly a matter of orthographic preference and does not imply a difference in meaning, pronunciation, or function. Both versions of the word can be understood universally by English speakers, regardless of which form they are accustomed to. In essence, it's analogous to other spelling differences, such as "colour" versus "color" or "centre" versus "center".
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
While some people might advocate for the use of one form over the other based on regional pride or adherence to specific style guides, the essential thing is consistency. If you're writing in British English, it's best to stick with "harmonise", and if you're writing in American English, "harmonize" would be the appropriate choice.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Harmonise vs. Harmonize Comparison Chart
Harmonise vs. Harmonize Definitions
◉Harmonise
To bring into harmony or accord.
They tried to harmonise their conflicting views.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonize
To provide harmonies to a melody.
She will harmonize the main tune with her guitar.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonise
To be in agreement or harmony with.
Their plans harmonise with the project's goals.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonize
To produce or create harmonious sounds.
Their voices harmonize in the chorus.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonise
To adjust or adapt so as to bring into harmony.
The designer harmonised the various elements of the room.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonize
To be consistent or congruent with something else.
The regulations don't harmonize with our current methods.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonise
To accompany with harmonies.
The choir will harmonise the soloist's melody.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonize
To adjust or coordinate in harmony.
We need to harmonize our efforts for better results.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Harmonise
bring into consonance or relate harmoniously;
harmonize the different interests
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonise
bring into consonance or accord;
harmonize one's goals with one's abilities
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonise
bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
(transitive) To bring things into harmony, or to make things compatible.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
To agree in action, adaptation, or effect on the mind; to agree in sense or purport; as, the parts of a mechanism harmonize.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
To be in peace and friendship, as individuals, families, or public organizations.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
To agree in vocal or musical effect; to form a concord; as, the tones harmonize perfectly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
To adjust in fit proportions; to cause to agree; to show the agreement of; to reconcile the apparent contradiction of.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
To accompany with harmony; to provide with parts, as an air, or melody.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
bring into consonance or relate harmoniously;
harmonize the different interests
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
bring into consonance or accord;
harmonize one's goals with one's abilities
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Harmonize
bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Harmonise vs. Harmonize Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people write harmonise while others write harmonize?
"Harmonise" is British English, while "harmonize" is American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is harmonize the same as harmonise?
Yes, "harmonize" and "harmonise" have the same meaning but different regional spellings.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
What does harmonise mean?
"Harmonise" means to create harmony or congruence.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is there any difference in pronunciation between the two words?
No, both "harmonise" and "harmonize" are pronounced the same way.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which spelling is correct, harmonise or harmonize?
Both are correct but depend on the regional variant of English you're using.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
Is it essential to choose one spelling over the other?
It's crucial to be consistent based on your audience and the style of English you're writing in.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
Can I use harmonise in American publications?
While understandable, "harmonize" is the standard spelling in American English.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
In which countries is harmonise commonly used?
"Harmonise" is used in countries like the UK and Australia that follow British English conventions.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
Does harmonise only relate to music?
No, "harmonise" can refer to creating harmony in various contexts, not just musical.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
If a song harmonizes, what does it mean?
If a song harmonizes, it means different musical parts or voices are blending well together in harmony.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
