computerize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “computerize” mean?
To adapt or convert a system, process, or equipment to be operated or controlled by computers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To adapt or convert a system, process, or equipment to be operated or controlled by computers.
To use computers to perform tasks or manage information that was previously done manually; to equip with computers. Can also carry the nuance of making something modern, efficient, and automated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling is 'computerise', US spelling is 'computerize'. No significant meaning difference.
Connotations
Both carry the same connotations of modernization and efficiency. In UK English, the '-ise' spelling is standard, though '-ize' is also accepted (Oxford spelling).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to earlier widespread adoption in business contexts, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “computerize” in a Sentence
[Subject] computerize [Object] (e.g., The company computerized its filing system).[Object] be computerized by [Agent] (e.g., The entire process was computerized by the IT department).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “computerize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to computerise the local tax records.
- We are computerising our entire supply chain management.
American English
- The hospital decided to computerize all patient files.
- They hired a firm to computerize their payroll system.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'using computers' or similar.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'electronically' or similar.]
adjective
British English
- The newly computerised system had some initial bugs.
- We live in a highly computerised society.
American English
- The computerized database is much faster to search.
- He works in a fully computerized office environment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the strategic move to use technology for efficiency, e.g., 'We need to computerize our customer relationship management.'
Academic
Used in discussions of technological impact on society, administration, or history, e.g., 'The study examined the effects of computerizing hospital records.'
Everyday
Less common; often replaced by simpler terms like 'put on computer' or 'digitize', e.g., 'They finally computerized the library catalogue.'
Technical
Specific to IT and systems engineering, describing the implementation of hardware and software solutions, e.g., 'The plan is to computerize the entire production line.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “computerize”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “computerize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “computerize”
- Incorrect: 'They computerised to work faster.' (Missing object) Correct: 'They computerized their *work* to be faster.'
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'digitize' or 'put online' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Computerize' focuses on using computers to control or manage a process or system (e.g., computerize a factory). 'Digitize' focuses on converting analog information into digital data (e.g., digitize a photo). They often overlap but emphasize different aspects.
Yes, it is more formal and technical. In everyday speech, people might say 'put something on a computer' or 'switch to a computer system'.
The main noun is 'computerization' (the process). The adjective is 'computerized' (describing something that has been adapted).
No, it is not used for people. You cannot 'computerize a person'. It is used for systems, processes, records, or equipment.
To adapt or convert a system, process, or equipment to be operated or controlled by computers.
Computerize: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuː.tər.aɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɚ.aɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this verb]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COMPUTER's EYES (ize) look at a manual process and transform it into a digital one.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOVING FROM MANUAL TO AUTOMATED (the journey from paper to pixels).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'computerize'?