Q:

"systematize" vs. "systemize"

Merriam-Webster defines "systemize" as an alternate spelling of "systematize." Is there any reason to choose one over the the other (besides "systematize" sounding a little weird to my ears)?
I did notice that the spell checker in my browser is marking "systemize" as incorrect, though Word says it's fine (U.S. English).

A:

The word "system" is derived from Greek. In declension of some Greek words the word stem is longer than the simplest form; in this case the simplest form is "systema", but the stem is "systemat-". Analogously, thema and schema are declensed "themat-" and "schemat", respectively. In derivations the stem is usually used, e.g. systematic, schematic.
In my ears then, "systemize" sounds as weird as "themize" or "schemize" would. That is, they sound as if something is lacking.
But this is probably only the case with those that were tought the classical languages in school.

A:

I think "systemize" is uncommon enough to lead you to prefer "systematize" — and "just sounds weird" is often a good enough reason all by itself.

