The spelling of "apologise" often leads to a moment of doubt: is it with an 's' or a 'z'? This confusion stems from differences in British and American English. In this article, we'll explore the correct usage of "apologise" and "apologize", providing clarity on when to use each variant.

What Does Apologise/Apologize Mean?

Both "apologise" (British English) and "apologize" (American English) mean expressing regret or asking for forgiveness. For example:

I must apologise/apologize for my late arrival.
She apologised/apologized profusely for the mistake.
It's hard for him to apologise/apologize even when he's wrong.

Though the meanings are identical, the spelling differs based on the dialect of English.

British vs. American English

Understanding the difference in English dialects is key to using the correct spelling:

British English: Prefers "apologise", spelled with an 's'.
American English: Uses "apologize", spelled with a 'z'.

This difference is similar to other words like "realise/realize" and "organise/organize".

Summary and Reminder

In summary, "apologise" and "apologize" are both correct but used in different forms of English:

Use "apologise" in British, Canadian, Australian, and other Commonwealth English.
Use "apologize" in American English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference in meaning between "apologise" and "apologize"?

No, the words are identical in meaning and differ only in spelling based on the variant of English.

Can both spellings be used interchangeably?

While both spellings are correct, it's recommended to use the spelling that corresponds with the dialect of English you are writing in.

How can I remember which spelling to use?

Associate "apologise" with other British English spellings that use 's', like "realise", and "apologize" with American spellings that use 'z', like "realize".