Americanize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Americanize
[ษหmerษชkษหnaษชz ]
Definition
to make American in character
Americanize means to bring under the influence or control of the United States or its customs, culture, or way of life. It often involves adapting something to suit American tastes or standards.
Synonyms
acclimatize, adapt, assimilate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Americanize |
This word is used when someone or something adopts American customs, culture, or characteristics. It often carries a connotation of shifting away from one's original culture towards American norms.
|
| adapt |
This is a more general term that indicates changing to fit new conditions or environments. It can apply to a wide range of situations including social, environmental, or technological changes.
|
| assimilate |
This word is often used when someone gradually adopts the characteristics and norms of a different group, typically within a cultural or social context. It often carries a connotation of losing one's original identity in the process.
|
| acclimatize |
Use this when someone or something is getting used to a new environment, typically climate or weather, but can also apply to adjusting to a new situation or setting.
|
Examples of usage
- The British author decided to Americanize his book by changing the spellings and terminologies.
- The restaurant had to Americanize its menu to attract more customers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Influence
- The spread of American popular culture in the 20th century, notably through movies, music, and fast food, is often seen as a form of Americanization.
- American brands and lifestyle choices have transformed cultures globally, leading to both acceptance and resistance in various regions.
Historical Context
- During the 20th century, especially after WWII, many countries adopted American customs and business practices in an effort to connect with the prosperous U.S. economy.
- The Americanization process also reflects socio-political changes, such as the influence of democracy and consumerism in post-war societies.
Linguistics
- American English variants, such as pronunciation or vocabulary differences, are part of a broader Americanization process observable in global English usage.
- Terms like 'cookie' and 'truck' in American English reflect linguistic shifts influenced by American innovation and cultural exports.
Politics
- Americanization can be a controversial topic, as it raises discussions about cultural imperialism and the erasure of local customs in favor of American ideals.
- U.S. foreign policy has sometimes been seen as promoting Americanization, influencing governance styles in other nations.
Origin of 'Americanize'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'Americanize' was first recorded in the early 19th century as the United States began to influence the world culturally and economically.
- It combines 'America' with the suffix '-ize,' which means to cause to be or to make, illustrating the action of changing something to reflect American traits.
The term 'Americanize' dates back to the mid-19th century, where it was used in reference to the process of assimilating immigrants into American culture and society. It gained popularity during periods of increased immigration to the United States, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, 'Americanize' is commonly used in a broader sense to describe the process of making something more American in character or style.