Popularised vs. Popularized: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
"Popularised" is the British English spelling, while "popularized" is the American English spelling. Both terms mean to make something widely known or accepted.
Key Differences
"Popularised" is the preferred spelling in British English. It follows the British convention of using "s" in words where American English often uses "z." For instance, words like "organise" and "realise" follow this same pattern in British English. "Popularized" is the American English spelling. In American English, the use of "z" in words like "organize" and "realize" is standard. This difference in spelling is part of the broader distinctions between British and American English.
Both "popularised" and "popularized" convey the same meaning: to make something widely known or accepted by the public. The choice of spelling does not change the definition or the way the word is used in sentences.
In written communication, using "popularised" or "popularized" depends on the target audience. British publications and audiences prefer "popularised," while American publications and audiences use "popularized."
Adherence to the regional spelling conventions is important for formal writing. Using the correct form for the intended audience demonstrates attention to detail and respect for language preferences.
These spelling variations also reflect broader cultural and linguistic differences between British and American English. Despite these differences, the meaning and usage of the words remain consistent across both versions of English.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Spelling Convention
Uses "s"
Uses "z"
Regional Usage
UK, Commonwealth countries
USA
Examples
Popularised a new trend
Popularized a new trend
Related Words
Organised, Realised
Organized, Realized
Formal Writing
Preferred in UK publications
Preferred in US publications
ADVERTISEMENT
Popularised and Popularized Definitions
Popularised
To make widely known or used.
The book popularised the new scientific theory.
Popularized
To make widely known or used.
The inventor popularized the new technology.
Popularised
To bring into general or common use.
The singer popularised this genre of music.
Popularized
To bring into general or common use.
The writer popularized these historical events.
Popularised
To spread widely among the public.
The campaign popularised healthy eating habits.
Popularized
To spread widely among the public.
The initiative popularized recycling in cities.
Popularised
To make appealing to the masses.
The TV show popularised the latest dance moves.
Popularized
To increase the popularity of.
The movie popularized the actor worldwide.
Popularised
To increase the popularity of.
The app popularised online shopping.
Popularized
To make appealing to the masses.
The artist popularized street art.
Popularised
Simple past tense and past participle of popularise
Popularized
To make popular
A famous dancer popularized the new hairstyle.
Popularized
To present in a widely understandable or acceptable form
Popularize technical material for a general audience.
Popularized
Simple past tense and past participle of popularize
FAQs
What does "popularised" mean?
It means to make something widely known or accepted, using the British English spelling.
Do "popularised" and "popularized" have different meanings?
No, they have the same meaning.
What does "popularized" mean?
It means to make something widely known or accepted, using the American English spelling.
Is "popularized" British or American English?
It is American English.
Is "popularised" commonly used in British writing?
Yes, it is standard in British English.
Is "popularised" British or American English?
It is British English.
Can I use "popularized" in the UK?
It's better to use "popularised" for British audiences.
Can I use "popularised" in the US?
It's better to use "popularized" for American audiences.
Why do British and American English have different spellings?
Historical and cultural influences led to variations in spelling conventions.
Which is correct: "popularised" or "popularized"?
Both are correct, depending on the regional spelling preference.
Are there other words with similar British and American spelling differences?
Yes, such as "organised" (UK) and "organized" (US).
Should I switch spellings when writing for an international audience?
Consistency is key; choose one spelling and stick with it.
Do British people understand "popularized"?
Yes, but it’s less commonly used in British writing.
Do Americans understand "popularised"?
Yes, but it’s less commonly used in American writing.
Can using the wrong spelling affect professionalism?
It can, especially in formal writing, as it may appear inattentive to regional norms.
How should I choose between "popularised" and "popularized"?
Choose based on the audience's regional spelling conventions.
Do these spelling differences affect meaning?
No, the meaning remains the same.
What is the origin of these spelling differences?
They originated from historical linguistic developments and reforms.
Are these spelling differences taught in schools?
Yes, they are part of standard English education in respective regions.
Is "popularized" commonly used in American writing?
Yes, it is standard in American English.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
