Bastardize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• In literature, authors may 'bastardize' classical works by adapting them poorly, losing their essence.
• Some adaptations are criticized for watering down complex themes, turning profound messages into simplistic narratives.
• The term can also apply to how some authors remix original stories, which can delight or disappoint fans.

Science

• In biology, hybridization can lead to 'bastardization,' where the offspring may lose desirable traits from both parent species.
• This term is used in genetics when discussing the mixing of pure breeds, often resulting in less desirable characteristics.
• In ecology, 'bastardization' refers to when native species are affected negatively by the introduction of non-native species.

Cultural Impact

• Certain musical genres have been accused of 'bastardizing' traditional forms, such as when pop replaces folk elements.
• Culinary fusion can lead to criticism when traditional dishes are 'bastardized,' causing a loss of cultural authenticity.
• In the film industry, remakes are sometimes labeled as 'bastardizations' of beloved classics, often viewed negatively by audiences.

Philosophy

• Philosophers discuss 'bastardization' in terms of diluted ideologies, where core principles are altered for convenience.
• This concept is examined in ethics, where simplified moral teachings can reduce the richness of philosophical debates.
• The idea of maintaining purity in thought versus adapting ideas highlights the fine line between evolution and bastardization.

Main points about word origin

• The term comes from the Middle English word 'bastard,' which referred to a person born out of wedlock.
• Originally, 'bastardize' meant to make illegitimate, often applied to noble bloodlines.
• Over time, the word evolved to mean altering something to an inferior state or quality.

The term 'bastardize' originates from the Middle English word 'bastard', which itself comes from the Old French 'bastard', referring to someone born out of wedlock (a 'bastard'). Historically, the word carried a negative connotation, implying illegitimacy. The verb form, 'bastardize', began to appear in the English language in the early 17th century. It was used to describe not just the illegitimate nature of one's birth but also the act of diluting or corrupting the original nature or characteristics of something. Over time, the usage of the term has expanded beyond personal lineage to encompass various fields, including linguistics, literature, and culture, thus signifying any process that leads to a degradation or misrepresentation of something that was once whole or respected.

At position #41,485, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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