Apologize vs. Apologise
“Apologize” and “apologise” are regional spelling variants of the same verb. Cambridge marks “apologise” as the usual UK form, so the practical choice is to follow the regional or house style required by the audience.
Both spellings represent the same verb; “apologise” is usual in UK usage, while “apologize” is the form to use when your chosen regional or house style calls for it.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Style system | Preferred spelling | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| US-oriented spelling | apologize | same verb |
| UK-oriented spelling | apologise | usual UK spelling noted by Cambridge |
| house style | follow the required spelling | consistency matters more than inventing a meaning difference |
Quick tests
Style test
Is the document following a UK spelling system?
If yes: Use “apologise” unless the governing house style specifies otherwise.
If no: Use “apologize” for US-oriented style or when that is the required house spelling.
Caveat: The variants do not carry different meanings. Treat this as a regional/style decision.
Examples
We apologize for the delay.
US-oriented spelling.
We apologise for the delay.
Usual UK spelling.
The report alternates between apologize and apologise.
This is not a grammar error, but mixing regional spellings can make editorial style inconsistent; choose the required regional or house style and keep it consistent.
Further guidance
Core difference
The forms differ in spelling, not in core meaning; Cambridge notes that UK usage usually has “apologise”.
Usage Boundary
Choose one spelling according to regional or organizational style and keep it consistent rather than inventing a meaning difference.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- apologize — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Regional spelling note: UK usually apologise