Gentrify: meaning, definitions and examples
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gentrify
[ ˈdʒɛn.trɪ.faɪ ]
urban development
Gentrify refers to the process of renovating and improving a neighborhood or area, often leading to the displacement of lower-income residents. This transformation is typically marked by an influx of more affluent individuals, which can increase property values and alter the cultural landscape. While gentrification can lead to revitalization and new business opportunities, it often raises concerns about housing affordability and social equity. Communities may experience both positive and negative effects as a result of these changes.
Synonyms
develop, improve, renovate, revitalize.
Examples of usage
- The city plans to gentrify the old industrial district.
- As artists moved in, the neighborhood began to gentrify rapidly.
- Local residents are worried about the gentrification of their home.
- Many feel that gentrifying areas can undermine local culture.
Translations
Translations of the word "gentrify" in other languages:
🇵🇹 gentrificar
🇮🇳 जेंट्रिफाई करना
🇩🇪 gentrifizieren
🇮🇩 gentrifikasi
🇺🇦 джентрифікувати
🇵🇱 gentryfikować
🇯🇵 ジェントリファイする
🇫🇷 gentrifier
🇪🇸 gentrificar
🇹🇷 gentrifiye etmek
🇰🇷 젠트리피케이션하다
🇸🇦 تحسين الأحياء
🇨🇿 gentrifikovat
🇸🇰 gentrifikovať
🇨🇳 改造
🇸🇮 gentrificirati
🇮🇸 gentrifíka
🇰🇿 гентрификациялау
🇬🇪 ჯენტრიფიკაცია
🇦🇿 gentrifikasiya
🇲🇽 gentrificar
Etymology
The word 'gentrify' was coined in the early 1960s by sociologist Ruth Glass in her observations regarding the changes occurring in certain neighborhoods in London. The term derives from the word 'gentry,' which historically refers to people of good social position, specifically the class of people below the nobility. This process quickly became associated with the broader phenomenon of urban renewal and socio-economic shifts within cities. As cities began to gentrify, spaces once inhabited by working-class individuals transformed into areas favored by middle-class residents, reflecting deeper demographic and economic changes. The term has gained significant traction and critique in discussions about urban development, social justice, and equity in housing, making 'gentrification' a keyword in modern urban studies.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,540, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.