English UsageComparison guide

Recognize vs. Recognise

“Recognize” and “recognise” are regional spelling variants. Cambridge presents recognize and notes that UK English usually uses recognise.

Quick answer

Use “recognize” in US English; “recognise” is the usual UK spelling in Cambridge, though style systems can differ.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional-spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termsrecognize, recognise
Variant ScopeUS recognize; UK usually recognise.

Further guidance

Core difference

Cambridge labels “recognise” as the usual UK variant under “recognize.”

Fast Test

Match the spelling to the regional or house style required by the document, then keep that choice consistent.

Variant Boundary

The wording “UK usually recognise” is a preference statement, not evidence that recognize can never occur in British English.

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.

  1. Recognize — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Recognize headword with UK usually recognise variant note

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