synchronize
B2Formal to neutral; common in technical, business, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To cause two or more events, actions, or processes to occur at the same time or rate.
To coordinate or match in time; to align data or systems so they are consistent; to harmonize actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies deliberate coordination for a specific purpose. Can be transitive or intransitive. The noun form is 'synchronization'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English also commonly uses the spelling 'synchronise'. The '-ize' ending is standard in American English and also accepted in British English, though '-ise' is a common British variant.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
The word is equally frequent in both varieties in technical contexts. In everyday use, slightly more common in American English due to tech terminology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
synchronize A with Bsynchronize with somethingsynchronize somethingsynchronize across platformsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in sync”
- “out of sync”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To synchronize departments to ensure a unified product launch.
Academic
The study aimed to synchronize neural activity with visual stimuli.
Everyday
Let's synchronize our watches before we start the hike.
Technical
The protocol synchronizes the clocks of all network nodes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to synchronise our diaries for the project.
- The traffic lights are synchronised to improve flow.
- The film's audio didn't synchronise with the video.
American English
- We need to synchronize our calendars for the project.
- The traffic lights are synchronized to improve flow.
- The software syncs your files across devices automatically.
adverb
British English
- The dancers moved synchronously.
- The data was updated synchronously across all servers.
American English
- The dancers moved synchronously.
- The data was updated synchronously across all servers.
adjective
British English
- Synchronised swimming is an Olympic sport.
- We conducted a synchronised attack.
American English
- Synchronized swimming is an Olympic sport.
- We conducted a synchronized attack.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The twins often synchronize their movements.
- Synchronize your watch with mine.
- Please synchronize the data on your phone with your computer.
- Their breathing was synchronized during the meditation.
- The team failed to synchronize their efforts, leading to a disjointed presentation.
- The software automatically synchronizes files across all your devices.
- The central bank's action was designed to synchronize the monetary policies of the member states.
- Researchers synchronized the neural oscillations of the subjects with an external auditory rhythm.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SYNCHRONIZE as making things happen in SYNChrony, like a SYNChronized swimming team moving together.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE PATH (aligning points on the path). COORDINATION IS HARMONY (creating a unified rhythm).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'синхронизировать' in non-technical contexts where 'coordinate' or 'align' is more natural.
- The Russian cognate is very technical; the English word has broader everyday use.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'synchronize' for simple 'timing' (e.g., 'synchronize the meeting at 3 PM' is odd).
- Misspelling as 'sychronize' or 'syncronize'.
- Using it intransitively without 'with' (e.g., 'The devices need to synchronize.') is correct, but 'synchronize the devices' is more common.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate use of 'synchronize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Synchronize' is the standard American spelling and is also widely used in British English. 'Synchronise' is a common British English variant.
'Synchronize' emphasizes precise timing and simultaneous occurrence. 'Coordinate' is broader, meaning to organize different elements to work together effectively, not necessarily at the exact same moment.
Yes, especially with 'with'. For example: 'My phone synchronizes with the cloud every hour.' or 'The dancers synchronized perfectly.'
The noun is 'synchronization' (or 'synchronisation' in British English). The informal short form 'sync' is also very common (e.g., 'out of sync').