Anglicize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Anglicize
[ˈaŋɡlɪsaɪz ]
Definitions
language
To make or become English in form, culture, or character.
Synonyms
Briticize, Britishize, Englishize.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Anglicize |
To adapt a word, name, or custom to make it sound or look more English. Often used in language and cultural contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He anglicized his last name when he moved to London.
- The new generation of immigrants quickly anglicized to fit into their new country.
language
To adapt or modify (a word, language, or custom) to fit the English language or culture.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Anglicize |
Use when you specifically want to make something more English in form or character, often relating to names, language, or culture.
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| adapt |
Use when you need to change something to suit a new purpose, condition, or situation. It's often used for minor changes to fit a new context.
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| modify |
Use when making changes to something to improve it, make it less extreme, or tailor it to specific needs. This term is broader and can apply to physical objects, plans, or concepts.
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| adjust |
Use when making small changes to something to achieve a desired outcome or to suit new conditions. It often refers to fine-tuning or calibrating.
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Examples of usage
- She anglicized the pronunciation of her name so that others could say it more easily.
- The restaurant anglicized the menu to cater to a broader clientele.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Adaptation
- Many place names across the world have been Anglicized; for instance, 'Beijing' was once known as 'Peking' in English.
- Anglicizing can also happen to personal names; for example, the Spanish name 'Javier' may be anglicized to 'Harvey'.
Linguistic Changes
- Languages constantly evolve; what may have begun as an Anglicization can become widely accepted, like the term 'pasta' from Italian.
- Some critics argue that excessive Anglicization leads to cultural erosion, where unique elements of a language are lost.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters from non-English speaking countries often have their names altered to fit more comfortably with English speakers' accents.
- Television shows have popularized Anglicized versions of foreign stories, leading to adaptations that reflect English sensibilities.
Education
- In language learning, students are taught to Anglicize vocabulary from their native languages to aid in comprehension during initial learning stages.
- The practice of Anglicizing can foster a deeper understanding of English phonetics and grammar rules among non-native speakers.
Origin of 'Anglicize'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'Anglicize' comes from the root 'Anglo-', referring to the English people, combined with the verb 'to -ize' which means to make or to become.
- The word entered the English language in the 19th century, reflecting a period marked by cultural exchanges and the expansion of the British Empire.
The term 'anglicize' dates back to the 17th century and is derived from the word 'English.' It was initially used to describe the process of making something English in form or character. Over time, the term has been widely used in the context of language and cultural adaptation, especially in regions influenced by English-speaking populations. The concept of anglicization continues to play a significant role in the interactions between different cultures and languages.