Synchronise vs. Synchronize: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Synchronise" is the British spelling, and "synchronize" is the American spelling, both referring to making things occur at the same time or rate.
Difference Between Synchronise and Synchronize
"Synchronise" and "synchronize" essentially mean the same thing but have different orthographical conventions based on regional differences. The root word stems from the Greek word "synchronos," which means "occurring at the same time." In English, many words derived from Greek that have the "-ize" ending can be spelled with either "-ise" or "-ize," depending on whether it's British or American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
"Synchronise" with the "-ise" ending is more prevalent in British English. In the UK and many countries using British English conventions, you'll commonly encounter this spelling in publications, educational settings, and everyday use. An example might be, "The clocks were synchronised to ensure uniformity."
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, "synchronize" with the "-ize" ending is standard in American English. In the US, this version of the word dominates in writing and speech. For instance, in American movies or books, one might read, "The dancers learned to synchronize their moves perfectly."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Regardless of the spelling difference, both "synchronise" and "synchronize" refer to the act of coordinating to make things happen simultaneously or at a uniform rate. The difference is purely orthographical and regional, with no variance in pronunciation or meaning.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Synchronise vs. Synchronize Comparison Chart
Meaning
Making things occur at the same time or rate
Making things occur at the same time or rate
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Synchronise vs. Synchronize Definitions
◉Synchronise
To adjust in relation to something else.
The machines were synchronised for maximum efficiency.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronize
To coordinate events to operate simultaneously.
We'll synchronize our efforts for better results.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronise
To cause to occur at the same time or rate.
We tried to synchronise our watches before the race.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronise
To coordinate actions to happen simultaneously.
The fireworks were synchronised to the music.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronize
To harmonize events based on timing.
The lights are programmed to synchronize with the music.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronise
To harmonize in time of occurrence.
The dancers tried to synchronise their routines.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronise
To operate on the same time base.
The projectors must synchronise for the show to run smoothly.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronize
To arrange events to occur concurrently.
The director wanted to synchronize the scenes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Synchronize
To cause to occur or operate with exact coincidence in time or rate
The military units synchronized their operations. We synchronized our watches.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To cause to occur or operate at the same time as something else
They synchronized their trip with the annual tulip festival.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronise
make (motion picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action;
synchronize this film
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To represent (events) as occurring at the same time or in the same time period.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronise
arrange or represent events so that they co-occur;
synchronize biblical events
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To arrange (a video or soundtrack, for example) to play or operate in synchronization with something else.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To transfer data between (two devices) to ensure that the same data is stored on both.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronise
cause to indicate the same time or rate;
synchronize your watches
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To execute such a transfer to cause the content of (two or more files or other sets of data) to be identical.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronise
make synchronous and adjust in time or manner;
Let's synchronize our efforts
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To occur at the same time; be simultaneous
The light flashes of fireflies tend to synchronize with one another.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
(transitive) To cause two or more events or actions to happen at exactly the same time or same rate, or in a time-coordinated way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
(intransitive) To occur at the same time or with coordinated timing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
(transitive) To cause (video and audio) to play in a coordinated way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
(transitive) To set (a clock or watch) to display the same time as another.
We synchronized our watches and agreed to meet at four o'clock precisely.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To cause (a set of files, data, or settings) on one computer or device to be (and try to remain) the same as on another.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To agree in time; to be simultaneous.
The path of this great empire, through its arch of progress, synchronized with that of Christianity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To assign to the same date or period of time; as, to synchronize two events of Greek and Roman history.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
To cause to agree in time; as, to synchronize the movements of different machines; to synchronize clocks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
make synchronous and adjust in time or manner;
Let's synchronize our efforts
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
make (motion picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action;
synchronize this film
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
arrange or represent events so that they co-occur;
synchronize biblical events
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Synchronize
cause to indicate the same time or rate;
synchronize your watches
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Synchronise vs. Synchronize Frequently Asked Questions
Why do British and American English have different spellings for some words?
Historical, cultural, and publishing standards led to orthographical differences between the two versions of English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which spelling is more common in Australia?
"Synchronise" with the "-ise" ending is more prevalent in Australia, following British English conventions.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Are "synchronise" and "synchronize" pronounced the same?
Yes, both words have the same pronunciation despite the spelling difference.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "synchronise" incorrect in American English?
"Synchronise" isn't incorrect, but "synchronize" is the preferred spelling in American English.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Does the meaning of "synchronise" and "synchronize" change in different contexts?
No, both words retain their meaning of making things occur simultaneously or at a uniform rate, regardless of context.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
Are there other English words with the "-ise" and "-ize" spelling difference?
Yes, such as "realise/realize" and "apologise/apologize."
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
No, the difference is regional rather than based on modernity.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Do both spellings appear in English dictionaries?
Yes, most comprehensive English dictionaries list both spellings.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
What's the root origin of the words "synchronise" and "synchronize"?
Both words derive from the Greek word "synchronos," meaning "occurring at the same time."
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
Which version should I use in international publications?
For international audiences, it's best to consider the target readership and use the spelling familiar to them or stick to one consistent spelling throughout.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
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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.
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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.
