Authorised vs. Authorized: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023

"Authorised" and "Authorized" mean having official permission or approval, with the former being British English spelling, and the latter, American English spelling.

Key Differences

The terms "Authorised" and "Authorized" fundamentally signify the same concept but differentiate in terms of regional usage. "Authorised" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "Authorized" is the conventional spelling in American English. Both terms describe the state of having official permission or approval to do something. They encapsulate the endorsement or empowerment by a relevant authority to carry out a specific action or task, implying legality and acknowledgment.

Diving into the origins, "Authorised" follows the British English convention of using "s" in such verbs, respecting its etymological roots. In contrast, "Authorized," aligning with American English patterns, employs "z," representing the American adaptation of the language. The difference in spelling doesn’t alter the inherent meaning or application of the word, maintaining the essence of official approval or sanctioning across linguistic divides.

Applying "Authorised" or "Authorized," one observes their functionality is uniform across contexts. Whether it’s legal documents, corporate settings, or casual conversations, these words retain their essence of depicting sanctioned permission or approval. The regional preference determines the spelling selection, with "Authorised" being prevalent in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, and "Authorized" predominant in the United States and other regions adopting American English norms.

Despite the identical functional applications of "Authorised" and "Authorized," it’s crucial to recognize and adhere to the regional spelling preferences. Utilizing the appropriate spelling according to the relevant linguistic norms ensures clarity, coherence, and proper formal adherence in written communication. The spelling variations, "Authorised" in British English and "Authorized" in American English, respect the linguistic evolution and established conventions in different English-speaking regions.

Comparison Chart

Spelling

British English spelling with "s"

American English spelling with "z"

Meaning

Having official permission or approval

Usage

Prevalent in the UK and Commonwealth nations

Predominant in the United States and regions adopting American English

Application

Uniform across contexts

Linguistic Convention

Adheres to British English norms

Sanctioned or approved by a relevant authority.

The manager authorized the refund.

Authorised

Alternative spelling of authorized

Authorized

To grant authority or power to.

Authorised

Simple past tense and past participle of authorise

Authorized

To give permission for (something); sanction

The authorized biography

FAQs

Is "Authorised" the British English spelling?

Yes, "Authorised" is the British English spelling.

Does the difference in spelling affect the meaning?

No, the difference in spelling does not affect the inherent meaning.

Is "Authorised" prevalent in Commonwealth nations?

Yes, "Authorised" is typically used in Commonwealth nations following British English conventions.

Do "Authorised" and "Authorized" have the same meaning?

Yes, they both mean having official permission or approval.

Should I use "Authorised" when writing to a British audience?

Yes, using "Authorised" is appropriate and recommended when addressing a British audience.

Can "Authorized" appear in formal documents in the United States?

Yes, "Authorized" commonly appears in formal documents in the United States.

Can "Authorized" and "Authorised" be used interchangeably in international communication?

While understood, it’s preferable to use the spelling consistent with the audience’s regional English.

Can "Authorised" refer to officially sanctioned actions?

Yes, "Authorised" denotes actions that are officially sanctioned or permitted.

Is "Authorized" used in American English?

Yes, "Authorized" is the American English spelling.

Is "Authorised" used in legal contexts?

Yes, "Authorised" is often used in legal contexts in regions using British English.

Is "Authorized" suitable for describing legally endorsed entities?

Yes, "Authorized" is apt for describing entities or actions that are legally endorsed or permitted.

Are "Authorised" and "Authorized" applicable in corporate settings?

Yes, both terms are applicable and widely used in corporate settings to denote official permission or approval.

Should British companies use "Authorised" in their documentation?

Yes, British companies should adhere to British English norms and use "Authorised."

Does "Authorized" imply an action has received official approval?

Yes, "Authorized" implies that an action or entity has received official approval or sanction.

Do American schools teach the "Authorized" spelling?

Yes, American schools teach the "Authorized" spelling, aligning with American English norms.

Extramental vs. Mental

Vine vs. Wine

About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.