Americanize: meaning, definitions and examples

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Americanize

 

[ əˈmerɪkəˌnaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.

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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.

  • Many immigrants Americanize their names to blend in more easily.
  • The restaurant's menu has been Americanized to appeal to local tastes.
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.

  • Wild animals adapt to changes in their habitats.
  • The software was adapted to meet the new security standards.
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.

  • He struggled to assimilate into the new culture.
  • Schools play a significant role in helping immigrant children assimilate.
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.

  • New employees need some time to acclimatize to the company's workflow.
  • It took them a few days to acclimatize to the high altitude.

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

Translations of the word "Americanize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 americanizar

🇮🇳 अमेरिकीकरण करना

🇩🇪 amerikanisieren

🇮🇩 amerikanisasi

🇺🇦 американізувати

🇵🇱 amerykanizować

🇯🇵 アメリカ化する

🇫🇷 américaniser

🇪🇸 americanizar

🇹🇷 Amerikanlaştırmak

🇰🇷 미국화하다

🇸🇦 أمركة

🇨🇿 amerikanizovat

🇸🇰 amerikanizovať

🇨🇳 美国化

🇸🇮 amerikanizirati

🇮🇸 ameríkanisera

🇰🇿 американизациялау

🇬🇪 ამერიკანიზაცია

🇦🇿 amerikanlaşmaq

🇲🇽 americanizar

Etymology

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.