Suffix · forms verbs
Turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make" or "to convert into": modern becomes modernize.
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
The suffix -ize takes a noun or adjective and creates a verb meaning "to make something X" or "to convert into X". From "modern" you get "modernize"; from "organ" you get "organize"; from "symbol" you get "symbolize". It is the most productive English suffix for creating new verbs, especially in tech and business: digitize, optimize, customize, prioritize.
The Spanish equivalent is almost always -izar, and cognates are plentiful: modernize = modernizar organize = organizar recognize = reconocer optimize = optimizar If you use a Spanish -izar verb, try switching to -ize in English. It works about 80% of the time.
A common source of confusion. American English uses -ize: organize, recognize, realize. British English uses -ise: organise, recognise, realise. Both forms are correct. Neither is an error. Just be consistent: -ize for American contexts, -ise for British ones. In international digital contexts, -ize is the more widely used form.
Noun or adjective + ize. No complicated spelling changes.
Most bases need no change at all: modern → modernize, custom → customize, prior → prioritize. When the base ends in silent -e, the -e is simply absorbed: realize, organize.
-ize / -ise/aɪz/ · sounds like 'eyes'
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
American English standard is -ize. British is -ise. Pick one and be consistent.
No "-izate" form exists in English. Just -ize: realize, modernize, organize.
"realize" mainly means to become aware of something. For completing a project, use "carry out", "complete", or "execute".
A trick to remember it
If Spanish uses -izar, try -ize in English: modernizar = modernize, organizar = organize, digitalizar = digitize. It works the vast majority of the time.
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
What is the difference between "organize" and "organise"?
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
"realize" in American English mainly means...
The suffix -ize / -ise turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make" or "to convert into": modern becomes modernize. In Spanish it usually maps to -izar.
The ending -ize / -ise is pronounced /aɪz/ · sounds like 'eyes'. For example, "modernize".
"modern" becomes "modernize". It is a typical example of the -ize / -ise suffix.
-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.