Localise vs. Localize: The Correct Spellings

The etymology of "localize" can be traced back to the word "local," which comes from the Latin word "localis," meaning 'pertaining to a place.' As with many words ending in "-ize" in American English, British English often opts for the "-ise" ending, which explains the difference between the two.

There are various forms of this word, such as localization (the process of making something local) and localizer (one who or that which localizes).

The debate often centers around whether to use "localise" or localize. In American English, the correct spelling is localize. Meanwhile, "localise" is the preferred British English spelling. Both words have the same meaning: to make something local or to adapt it to the preferences of a particular region or culture. However, as per American standards and dictionaries, localize with the "z" is the correct form.

A simple mnemonic to remember the American spelling is to think of the word "size." Both "size" and "localize" have the "z" sound, reminding you to use the "-ize" ending for American English.

Incorrect: We need to localise the content to make it relevant to our audience in Asia.

Correct: We need to localize the content to make it relevant to our audience in Asia.

Incorrect: The decision to localise the product names has proven to be successful.

Correct: The decision to localize the product names has proven to be successful.

Incorrect: It's important to localise your approach when dealing with different cultures.

Correct: It's important to localize your approach when dealing with different cultures.

Incorrect: The company plans to localise its software for the European market.

Correct: The company plans to localize its software for the European market.

Incorrect: The app's ability to localise information based on user location is a key feature.

Correct: The app's ability to localize information based on user location is a key feature.

To gather or consolidate in one specific area.

To adapt or tailor something to a specific region, culture, or group.

To determine the location of something.

To attribute or ascribe something to a particular locality or source.

To confine or restrict to a particular location.

To make local

To confine or restrict to a particular locality

To attribute to a particular locality

To become local, especially to become fixed in one area or part.

(transitive) To make local; to fix in, or assign to, a definite place.

To adapt a product for use in a particular country or region, typically by translating text into the language of that country and modifying currencies, date formats, etc.

To adapt translated text to fit a local culture; to domesticate.

To determine where something takes place or is to be found.

To make local; to fix in, or assign to, a definite place.

identify the location or place of;

concentrate on a particular place or spot;

restrict something to a particular area

locate;

Efforts to localize production have led to increased job opportunities in the region.

To expand globally, businesses must localize their websites for different languages.

It's a challenge to localize humor because it so often depends on cultural context.

They used GPS technology to localize the source of the radio signal.

Environmentalists aim to localize food production to reduce carbon emissions.

The team worked hard to localize the game, including translating jokes and cultural references.

Localize your marketing strategy to connect with the target demographic more effectively.

The software can automatically localize content based on the user's IP address.

To effectively localize the app, they consulted with native speakers of each language.

They're looking to localize manufacturing to reduce dependencies on international shipping.

The emergency services were able to quickly localize the distress call with their new equipment.

They used advanced algorithms to localize faults in the network infrastructure.

Artists often localize their performances to suit the tastes of regional audiences.

The outbreak was localized to a single community, preventing wider spread.

The decision to localize operations was key to the company's success in Asia.

The company decided to localize its customer service to improve response times.

To localize the experience, the museum includes exhibits on local history and culture.

Developers need to localize mobile apps to meet the regulatory requirements of different countries.

The ability to localize pain can help doctors diagnose medical conditions more accurately.

To adapt a discussion or dialogue to reflect local interests or concerns.

To ensure that the effects of an action are contained within a certain area.

Adapting a product or service to suit local tastes or needs to achieve success.

To adjust an experience, such as a service or product, to align with local user expectations.

To tailor a strategy to suit local conditions or challenges.

To engage with a community or audience in a way that is tailored to their local context.

To produce goods or services within the local market they are intended for, often to reduce costs or increase market appeal.

To adjust one's approach to better suit local conditions, preferences, or sensitivities.

To identify and focus on a specific problem area.

To concentrate your work or contributions in a specific, often smaller, area.

To adapt educational content to make it relevant to the local community or culture.

To adjust business operations to be more suited to local markets or conditions.

To derive and apply insights in a manner that is specifically relevant to a local context or market.

To decentralize decision-making processes, allowing local branches or teams to make decisions that are best suited to their specific context.

To allocate resources specifically to where they are most needed within a local setting.

To adapt content, such as media or literature, to suit the preferences, language, and cultural norms of different regions.

To focus investment in local markets or ventures, often to stimulate local economic growth or to capitalize on local opportunities.

To identify and manage risks in a way that they remain confined to a specific area or sector.

To provide support or assistance in a way that is directly tailored to the specific needs of local individuals or groups.

The difference lies in regional spelling preferences: "localize" is American English, while "localise" is British English, but both have the same meaning.

Yes, "localize" can refer to determining the specific location of something, like an infection or injury, within the body.

Yes, both words stem from the Latin word "localis," meaning 'pertaining to a place.'

This difference is part of a broader pattern where American English uses "-ize" endings, and British English often uses "-ise" endings.

The noun form related to "localize" is "localization."

Consistency is essential for clarity, so it's advisable to stick to one form based on the intended audience or the style guide being followed.

"Localise" is not incorrect but is the preferred spelling in British English. In American English, "localize" is the correct form.

Yes, many words have this variation between American and British English, such as "realize/realise" or "organize/organise."

Think of the word "size" which has a "z" sound, just like the "-ize" ending in "localize" for American English.

No, both "localize" and "localise" have the same meaning, with the variation only being due to regional spelling preferences.