Globalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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globalization

 

[ ˌɡloʊbəlɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

modern world economy

Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide. It involves the movement of goods, services, information, and capital across national borders, leading to increased interconnectedness and interdependence of economies.

Synonyms

global integration, internationalization, worldwide interconnectedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
globalization

Used in the context of economic, political, and cultural integration worldwide. It often refers to the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

  • Globalization has made it easier for companies to enter new markets
  • The spread of the internet has accelerated the pace of globalization
internationalization

Refers to the process of increasing involvement of enterprises or other entities in international markets. This can involve adapting products or practices to new countries.

  • The internationalization of education allows students to study abroad more easily
  • Internationalization of software is a key step in expanding its user base
global integration

Typically used when discussing the merging or integration of different countries, economies, or systems into a single global framework. It often focuses on unity and cohesiveness at a global level.

  • Global integration is crucial for tackling climate change
  • The European Union is an example of regional global integration
worldwide interconnectedness

This phrase is used to describe how different parts of the world are linked together, emphasizing the connections and dependencies between countries and regions.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the worldwide interconnectedness in global health
  • Social media platforms have increased worldwide interconnectedness

Examples of usage

  • Globalization has led to the expansion of multinational corporations.
  • The internet has played a significant role in promoting globalization.
  • The globalization of trade has both positive and negative impacts on developing countries.
Context #2 | Noun

cultural exchange

Globalization also refers to the exchange of ideas, customs, and cultural practices among different societies. It involves the diffusion of cultural elements such as language, food, and traditions across borders, leading to cultural homogenization or hybridization.

Synonyms

cultural diffusion, cultural globalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
globalization

Use this term when discussing the broad economic, technological, political, and cultural exchanges between countries and how they impact global markets and institutions.

  • Globalization has led to the rise of multinational corporations.
  • The internet has significantly accelerated the process of globalization.
cultural globalization

Use this phrase when focusing specifically on how cultures around the world become more alike due to the influence of factors like media, technology, and international travel.

  • Cultural globalization has made American movies popular all over the world.
  • The spread of fast food chains in different countries is a sign of cultural globalization.
cultural diffusion

This term is best used when talking about how cultural beliefs, practices, and items spread from one society to another through various means such as migration, trade, and communication.

  • The introduction of sushi into Western countries is an example of cultural diffusion.
  • Cultural diffusion has greatly affected the languages we speak today.

Examples of usage

  • The globalization of cuisine has made it easier to find diverse food options in any major city.
  • Pop music is a prime example of a cultural product that has spread globally through globalization.

Translations

Translations of the word "globalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 globalização

🇮🇳 वैश्वीकरण

🇩🇪 Globalisierung

🇮🇩 globalisasi

🇺🇦 глобалізація

🇵🇱 globalizacja

🇯🇵 グローバリゼーション

🇫🇷 mondialisation

🇪🇸 globalización

🇹🇷 küreselleşme

🇰🇷 세계화

🇸🇦 عولمة

🇨🇿 globalizace

🇸🇰 globalizácia

🇨🇳 全球化

🇸🇮 globalizacija

🇮🇸 hnattvæðing

🇰🇿 жаһандану

🇬🇪 გლობალიზაცია

🇦🇿 qloballaşma

🇲🇽 globalización

Etymology

The term 'globalization' gained popularity in the late 20th century to describe the increasing interconnectedness of the world due to advances in technology, communication, and transportation. The concept has roots in earlier periods of history when trade routes connected distant regions, but the modern understanding of globalization emerged in the context of post-World War II economic and political developments.

See also: Globalize, globally.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,028, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.