Maximise vs. Maximize: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

'Maximise' and 'Maximize' have the same meaning, to increase to the greatest possible amount, differing only in British (Maximise) and American (Maximize) spelling conventions.

Maximise vs. Maximize

Key Differences

'Maximise' and 'Maximize' both mean to make as large or great as possible. The difference lies in their usage in different forms of English. 'Maximise' is primarily used in British English, while 'Maximize' is the preferred spelling in American English.

Nov 17, 2023

In terms of usage, both spellings are understood globally in English-speaking countries. However, the choice of spelling can sometimes reflect the intended audience or adherence to specific regional language standards.

Nov 17, 2023

The distinction extends to other words with similar endings, following the -ise/-ize suffix pattern. This pattern is consistent across other words, maintaining the same British and American English variations as in 'Maximise' and 'Maximize'.

Nov 17, 2023

Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation of 'Maximise' and 'Maximize' is typically the same. The choice of spelling does not affect the word's meaning or its application in different contexts.

Nov 17, 2023

Comparison Chart

Spelling

British English spelling

American English spelling

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Usage

Commonly used in the UK, Australia, etc.

Commonly used in the US

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Variations

Follows the British pattern of -ise ending

Follows the American pattern of -ize ending

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Pronunciation

Same as Maximize

Same as Maximise

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Meaning

To increase to the greatest possible amount

To increase to the greatest possible amount

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Maximise and Maximize Definitions

Maximise

To make the most of something.

He tried to maximise his time at the conference by attending multiple sessions.

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Maximize

To make the best or most effective use of something.

He wants to maximize the impact of his research.

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Maximise

To expand or amplify something to its maximum capacity.

The team's goal is to maximise outreach to potential customers.

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Maximize

To increase something to its highest possible level.

The app is designed to maximize user engagement.

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Maximise

To use something to its fullest potential.

The new software helps businesses maximise their productivity.

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Maximize

To fully exploit or utilize something.

The strategy aims to maximize resources and minimize costs.

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Maximise

To increase something to the greatest possible amount.

The company aims to maximise its profits this year.

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Maximize

To achieve the maximum possible outcome in a given situation.

The seminar focuses on how to maximize personal growth.

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Maximise

To take full advantage of an opportunity or resource.

She aimed to maximise her holiday by visiting as many places as possible.

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Maximize

To extend something to its utmost extent.

The coach's plan is to maximize the team's performance.

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Maximise

(British spelling) maximize

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Maximize

To increase or make as great or large as possible

"the ideal of maximizing opportunity through the equalizing of educational opportunity" (Robert J. Havighurst).

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Maximise

Make the most of;

He maximized his role

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Maximize

(Mathematics) To find the largest value of (a function).

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Maximise

Make as big or large as possible;

Maximize your profits!

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Maximize

To make as large as possible

Oct 19, 2023

Maximize

To expand (a window) to fill the main display area

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Maximize

To increase to the highest degree.

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Maximize

Make as big or large as possible;

Maximize your profits!

Oct 19, 2023

Maximize

Make the most of;

He maximized his role

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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Where is 'maximise' more commonly used?

'Maximise' is more commonly used in British English.

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Can I use 'maximise' in American English?

Yes, it's understood but 'maximize' is the standard American spelling.

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Is there a difference in meaning between maximise and maximize?

No, they mean the same thing, but are spelled differently based on regional language standards.

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What does maximize mean?

Maximize also means to increase something to its highest possible level.

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Are there other words with similar British and American spellings?

Yes, like 'realise/realize' and 'organise/organize'.

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Does the choice between 'maximise' and 'maximize' affect pronunciation?

No, both are pronounced the same.

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Is it important to maintain consistency in spelling choices?

Yes, especially in formal writing, it's good to be consistent with either British or American spelling standards.

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What does maximise mean?

Maximise means to increase something to its greatest possible amount.

Nov 17, 2023

Where is 'maximize' more commonly used?

'Maximize' is more commonly used in American English.

Nov 17, 2023

Can I use 'maximize' in British English?

Yes, though 'maximise' is the preferred spelling in British English.

Nov 17, 2023

Can 'maximise' and 'maximize' be used interchangeably in academic writing?

It's best to stick to the spelling standard of the publication or institution.

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Is one spelling more modern than the other?

No, both spellings are contemporary but align with different forms of English.

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Is there any difference in the etymology of 'maximise' and 'maximize'?

Their etymology is the same; the difference is in the evolution of British and American English.

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Which spelling should I use if I'm writing for an international audience?

Either is acceptable, but consider which version of English your audience is more familiar with.

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Do 'maximise' and 'maximize' have the same grammatical usage?

Yes, their grammatical usage is identical.

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Are there any differences in the suffixes '-ise' and '-ize' in other words?

Yes, but the difference is primarily in spelling, not in meaning.

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Do dictionaries list both 'maximise' and 'maximize'?

Yes, most English dictionaries list both spelling variations.

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Are there any contexts where one spelling is preferred over the other?

Yes, depending on the regional language preference of the audience or publication.

Nov 17, 2023

Can software spell checkers recognize both 'maximise' and 'maximize'?

Yes, most spell checkers can be set to recognize either British or American English spellings.

Nov 17, 2023

Should I always use 'maximise' in formal British English?

In formal British English, 'maximise' is typically preferred, but context and audience should guide your choice.

Nov 17, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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