What does decimalise mean?
Decimalise means to express a number, measurement, or system in decimal form—that is, in relation to powers of ten rather than another base or grouping of units. In its most straightforward use, someone might decimalise 3/8 as 0.375 or convert a measurement from another scale into tenths. The word can also describe the broader transformation of an awkward system: decimalising British currency replaced pounds, shillings, and pence with a system based on pounds and pence divided into tenths or hundredths. Today decimalise is most often encountered in technical, educational, historical, or policy discussions, while ordinary speakers may simply say “write as a decimal.” It is chiefly a British and Commonwealth spelling; American English generally uses decimalize. Although the term can sound formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation, it remains useful when precision matters or when referring to the historical conversion of currencies and measurement systems.
verbTo express a number, quantity, or measurement in decimal form, especially as a decimal fraction, or to convert it from another numerical base or scale into decimal terms.
- To express a number or quantity in decimal notation, especially as a decimal fraction.
- To convert a value, measurement, or system from another base or scale into decimal terms.
"Could you decimalise the result so that we can compare it with the other measurements?"
"Could you decimalise the result so that we can compare it with the other measurements?"
"Decimalising the currency made the new units much easier to calculate."
Britain’s 1971 decimalisation replaced pounds, shillings, and pence with a currency based on pounds and 100 new pence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does decimalise come from?
The verb was formed by attaching the suffix -ize to decimal, producing a word meaning “make or express in decimal form.” Decimal comes through Medieval Latin decimalis, a term associated with tenths, from Latin decimus, “tenth,” ultimately from decem, “ten.” Words such as decimate and decimation belong to the same Latin family associated with decimus and decem, reflecting the shared concepts of “ten” and “a tenth.”
Related word forms
How decimalise is actually used
Usually transitive and common in technical, educational, historical, and policy contexts. It is chiefly a British and Commonwealth spelling; American English generally uses decimalize. In casual discussion, “write as a decimal” may sound more natural.