Advertize

/ˌadvər'taɪz/ verb

Definition

An alternative (now archaic) spelling of 'advertise'; to announce or promote something publicly.

Etymology

From Old French 'advertir,' this spelling with a z was common in Early Modern English but fell out of favor by the 19th century as British English standardized on 'advertise.' American English initially kept both spellings.

Kelly Says

Advertize versus advertise is a perfect example of how spelling standardization won out over etymology—the z is actually more etymologically honest since it comes from French, but standardized British spelling chose the s.

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