Authorize vs. Authorise
“Authorize” and “authorise” are regional spelling variants of the same verb. Dictionary guidance recognizes both, with “authorise” associated especially with British usage, so consistency with the intended regional or house style is the key choice.
Both are established spellings of the same verb; choose “authorize” or “authorise” according to your regional or house style and stay consistent.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Style | Spelling | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| US/general styles preferring -ize | authorize | established spelling |
| British styles allowing/prefering -ise | authorise | established variant |
| controlled publication | follow house dictionary/style | consistency is the decision |
Quick tests
House-style test
Does the publication specify an -ize/-ise convention?
If yes: Follow that convention consistently.
If no: Use the established regional form appropriate to the audience and keep the document consistent.
Caveat: The two spellings have the same core verb meaning; do not label one universally wrong.
Examples
The manager is authorized to approve the request.
“Authorize” is an established spelling.
The manager is authorised to approve the request.
“Authorise” is an established British variant.
Choose one form according to the governing style.
This is a spelling-style choice, not a meaning contrast.
Further guidance
Core difference
The two spellings share the same core meaning and differ by regional/style convention rather than by grammatical function.
Usage Boundary
Do not label one spelling universally correct and the other universally wrong; follow the audience or publication style.
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.
- authorize — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Regional spelling note for authorize/authorise