Difference between Analyse and Analyze
Key Difference: Analyse is primarily used in UK language, whereas Analyze is used in US English. The terms themselves are the same. In both instances, the words mean the same, i.e. to “examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it.”
It often happens that language develops separately over time, geographical location, social class, etc. Once obvious example of this is UK English and US English. They sound the same, yet there are significant differences between some of the words, pronunciations, and the manner in which some of the words are used. Analyse and Analyze are two words that are an example of this.
Analyse is primarily used in UK language, whereas Analyze is used in US English. The terms themselves are the same. In both instances, the words mean the same, i.e. to “examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it.”
Both of them are verbs that refer to the act of examining or studying something in detail. The implication is always to understand the object that one is examining, so that they can interpret it or explain their purpose. For example: The doctor analyzed (or analysed) the wound. The implication being that the doctor is studying the wound in order to understand it and see how best to treat it.
In all instances, Analyse and Analyze can be used interchangeably. The only difference between the two terms in in their spellings and that too arises only from the differences between American and British English. British English tends to prefer using ‘se’ to spell certain words, such as “organise, apologise recognise, and of course analyse.” Whereas, American English prefers using ‘ze’ for the same words, i.e. “organize, apologize recognize, and of course analyze.” The difference in spelling does not affect the meaning of the words at all.
Hence, analyse is in British English, whereas analyze is in American English. Both mean the same thing and are used in the same way.
Comparison between Analyse and Analyze:
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Analyse |
Analyze |
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Definition (Oxford Dictionaries) |
Examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it. |
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Type |
Verb |
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Etymology |
Late 16th century: influenced by French analyser, from medieval Latin analysis |
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Usage |
UK English |
US English |
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Examples |
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Reference: Oxford Dictionaries, Writing Explained, Grammarist, Word Eng Image Courtesy: pmlive.com, goleansixsigma.com
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