Commercialized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commercialized

[kəˈmɜːrʃəlaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

business context

To commercialize means to manage or exploit a product, service, or idea with the intention of making it profitable. This often involves developing a strategy for marketing, sales, and distribution in order to attract customers and generate revenue.

Synonyms

capitalize, market, monetize.

Examples of usage

  • The new technology was commercialized in record time.
  • She helped in the effort to commercialize organic farming.
  • The startup plans to commercialize their innovative app next year.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impacts

  • The commercialization of holidays, such as Christmas, has shifted focus from tradition to consumer spending.
  • Art and music have also been commercialized, influencing what is produced and how it is consumed.
  • In the digital age, content such as social media posts has become a commercial product, altering user behavior.

Economic Factors

  • Commercialization often leads to increased competition, which can drive innovation but also influence quality.
  • It can cause shifts in market dominances, where larger companies overshadow smaller ones.
  • Globalization has accelerated the commercialization of many local cultures and practices.

Psychology

  • The commercialization of products can create consumer attachment, impacting purchasing behavior.
  • It can also affect our perceptions of value, often equating price with quality.
  • Research suggests that over-commercialization can lead to consumer fatigue, where people become less responsive to advertisements.

Literature

  • Many contemporary authors critique the commercialization of literature, fearing it undermines artistic integrity.
  • Best-selling novels often follow specific commercial formulas to appeal to large audiences, which can affect their creativity.
  • Literature about commercialization often explores the clash between artistic vision and market demand.

Origin of 'commercialized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from 'commercial', which comes from the Latin 'commercium', meaning 'trade' or 'commerce'.
  • Emerging in the late 19th century, 'commercialized' reflects the growing influence of businesses in daily life.
  • The suffix '-ized' indicates a transformation, thus 'commercialized' means to make something fit for trade.

The term 'commercialize' is derived from the word 'commercial,' which comes from the Latin 'commercium,' meaning 'trade or commerce.' The root of 'commercium' is 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'merx' meaning 'merchandise.' The concept of commercialization began to evolve significantly during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries when production shifted from craftsmanship to mass production, leading businesses to find new ways to market and profit from their products. The formal use of 'commercialize' in English dates back to the early 20th century as businesses increasingly sought to transform ideas and innovations into commercially viable products. Today, commercialization plays a critical role in various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment, highlighting the connection between innovation and profit-making.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,784, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.