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Naturalisation: meaning, definitions and examples

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naturalisation

 

[ ˌnætʃərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal process

Naturalisation is the legal process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of a new country. This typically involves meeting certain residency requirements, demonstrating knowledge of the host country's language and culture, and taking an oath of allegiance. It is often pursued by immigrants seeking to acquire full legal rights in their new country.

Synonyms

citizenship, naturalization

Examples of usage

  • She applied for naturalisation after living in the country for five years.
  • Naturalisation requires applicants to pass a citizenship test.
  • The government offers naturalisation programs for refugees.

Etymology

The term 'naturalisation' originates from the Latin word 'natio', meaning 'birth, race, or people', which reflects its ties to the concept of belonging to a nation. The practice of naturalisation can be traced back to ancient times when different civilisations had their own systems for granting citizenship rights to outsiders. In the context of modern nation-states, the process has evolved to establish specific legal frameworks governing how foreigners can acquire citizenship. Throughout history, naturalisation laws have been influenced by factors such as political climate, economic needs, and social attitudes towards immigration. The term also evolved through Middle French 'naturaliser', indicating the integration of foreign-born individuals into a society, further solidifying the link between nationality and citizenship.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,272 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.