digitize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “digitize” mean?
To convert information (data, text, images, sound) from an analog or physical form into a digital format that a computer can process and store.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To convert information (data, text, images, sound) from an analog or physical form into a digital format that a computer can process and store.
To modernize a process, service, or object by incorporating digital technology; to bring something into the digital domain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'digitise', US 'digitize'. Pronunciation remains the same.
Connotations
None beyond the spelling difference.
Frequency
The term is equally common in both varieties within technical and business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “digitize” in a Sentence
[S] digitize [O][O] be digitized (by [S])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digitize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The museum is seeking funding to digitise its entire photographic archive.
- We need to digitise these paper records to improve searchability.
American English
- The library completed a project to digitize all its local history newspapers.
- The company decided to digitize its workflow to reduce errors.
adverb
British English
- The files were stored digitally after being digitised.
American English
- The film was preserved digitally after being digitized.
adjective
British English
- The newly digitised collection is now available online.
- We offer a digitisation service for family photo albums.
American English
- Access to the digitized manuscripts is free.
- The digitization project took three years to complete.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common, e.g., 'The company plans to digitize all customer service workflows.'
Academic
Common in library science, media studies, and history, e.g., 'Digitizing historical manuscripts allows for global access.'
Everyday
Less common; simpler terms like 'scan' or 'put online' are used.
Technical
Highly common and precise in IT, data management, and engineering, e.g., 'Digitize the analog sensor readings at 44.1 kHz.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digitize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digitize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digitize”
- Using 'digitalize' incorrectly (it's a related but less precise term).
- Confusing with 'digitalise' (UK spelling variant of 'digitalize').
- Using it for ongoing digital activities rather than the initial conversion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Digitize' is specific and widely accepted for converting to digital format. 'Digitalize' is less common and can be ambiguous, sometimes meaning 'to adopt digital technology' more broadly, or even a medical term. Use 'digitize' for clarity.
Yes, 'digitise' is the standard British English spelling, while 'digitize' is standard American English.
In a business context, yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean converting a manual/analog process into a digital one. However, the core meaning refers to converting data or objects.
Digitization (US) or Digitisation (UK). The process or result of digitizing.
To convert information (data, text, images, sound) from an analog or physical form into a digital format that a computer can process and store.
Digitize is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Digitize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.taɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.taɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIGITAL' and add '-IZE' (meaning 'to make into'). To DIGITIZE is to 'make into DIGITAL'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA IS AN OBJECT (you can 'convert' or 'transfer' it from one medium to another).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'digitize' CORRECTLY?