anthologize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, academic.
Quick answer
What does “anthologize” mean?
To compile selected literary or artistic works into a collection (an anthology).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To compile selected literary or artistic works into a collection (an anthology).
The act of selecting and gathering pieces, often with a thematic or qualitative criteria, for publication as a single volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling: UK also accepts 'anthologise'.
Connotations
Slightly more common in academic/literary publishing contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both varieties, primarily used in literary criticism and publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “anthologize” in a Sentence
[Subject: editor/publisher] + anthologize + [Object: works/writers][Object: Works] + be + anthologized + [Adjunct: in/by]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthologize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The publisher plans to anthologise the best post-war British poetry.
- Her early essays have been anthologised in several critical volumes.
American English
- The professor anthologized the key speeches of the movement.
- His short stories were anthologized in a popular textbook.
adjective
British English
- The anthologised version differs slightly from the original publication.
American English
- She is proud of her anthologized poem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in publishing industry.
Academic
Common in literary studies, history of ideas.
Everyday
Very rare.
Technical
Used in publishing and editorial contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthologize”
- Using it for non-curated collections (e.g., 'He anthologized his old emails').
- Confusing with 'catalog' or 'index'.
- Misspelling as 'anthologise' in US English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though less common. It can be used for compiling selected songs, film clips, or other artistic works into a 'best of' collection.
Anthologization (US) / Anthologisation (UK). However, 'the compilation of an anthology' is more frequently used.
No, it is rare. 'Editor', 'compiler', or 'curator' are preferred.
Not necessarily. One can anthologize works by a single author (e.g., 'anthologized essays of George Orwell'), but it more commonly implies multiple authors.
To compile selected literary or artistic works into a collection (an anthology).
Anthologize is usually formal, literary, academic. in register.
Anthologize: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈθɒlədʒaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈθɑːlədʒaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTHOLOGY (a collection of flowers in Greek) + IZE (to make) = to make into a collection.
Conceptual Metaphor
LITERARY WORK IS A PLANT (to be gathered into a bouquet).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'anthologize' correctly?