Normalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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normalize

[ˈnɔːməlʌɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in data processing

To transform data into a standard format or structure.

Synonyms

homogenize, regularize, standardize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
normalize	Use this word when you want to make something standard or conform to a norm, often used in a social or psychological context. After a few weeks, things began to normalize at the new workplace. Therapy helped him normalize his daily routine.
standardize	This word is used when setting a common standard to make things consistent, often in an industrial or educational context. They decided to standardize the testing procedures for all students. The factory has standardize its production methods.
regularize	Use this term when referring to making something regular or consistent, often in terms of rules, procedures, or schedules. The new policy aims to regularize the work hours of employees. They need to regularize the company's financial reports.
homogenize	This term is often used in the context of making things uniform or similar, particularly in the context of mixing substances such as milk or in social settings like populations. The company aims to homogenize its product line across all markets. Cultural programs can sometimes homogenize diverse communities.

Examples of usage

We need to normalize the data before running the analysis.
The first step is to normalize the data from different sources.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in social context

To make or declare some situation, behavior, or relationship socially acceptable or conventional.

Synonyms

accept, endorse, legitimize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
normalize	Use 'normalize' when discussing making something standard or typical, or reducing something to a normal condition. This is often used in medical, social, or procedural contexts. We need to normalize remote work as a regular option The therapy helped to normalize her blood pressure
legitimize	Use 'legitimize' when talking about making something legal, acceptable, or officially valid. This often has a formal or legal connotation. The new law will legitimize medicinal cannabis use Efforts were made to legitimize the independent committee
endorse	Use 'endorse' when referring to openly supporting or approving something, especially in advertisements, politics, or official capacities. The celebrity endorsed the new smartphone The senator decided to endorse the new policy
accept	Use 'accept' when talking about agreeing to take or receive something, or coming to terms with a situation or fact. This is commonly used in everyday situations and personal contexts. She decided to accept the job offer It's important to accept that you can’t control everything

Examples of usage

The movement aims to normalize LGBTQ rights.
The goal is to normalize conversations about mental health.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'normalize' comes from the Latin root 'norma', meaning a rule or pattern.
It was first used in English in the late 19th century, originally in the contexts of mathematics and statistics.
The transition from a technical term to general use reflects changes in social attitudes over time.

Psychology

In psychology, normalizing can help people feel less isolated by making them aware that their experiences are shared by others.
Therapeutic frameworks often utilize normalizing language to reduce stigma around mental health issues.
Normalizing behaviors can support social acceptance, changing how we perceive differences in people or practices.

Pop Culture

Many television shows and movies have contributed to the normalization of previously taboo subjects, like mental health or LGBTQ+ identities.
Social media campaigns often aim to normalize discussions about diversity and inclusion, sparking important conversations.
The portrayal of characters in diverse roles helps normalize various identities and experiences in public consciousness.

Education

Educators often seek to normalize collaborative learning, where students learn from one another rather than just from a teacher.
Classroom practices that normalize feedback encourage a growth mindset, fostering an environment where making mistakes is part of learning.
Curriculum changes aim to normalize critical thinking skills, encouraging students to question and analyze information rather than passively accept it.

Technology

In data science, normalizing data helps in standardizing information for better analysis and comparison.
The rise of digital communication tools has normalized remote work, changing the landscape of traditional office environments.
Online platforms continue to normalize digital interactions as a core part of personal and professional life.

Translations

Translations of the word "normalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 normalizar

🇮🇳 सामान्य करना

🇩🇪 normalisieren

🇮🇩 menormalkan

🇺🇦 нормалізувати

🇵🇱 normalizować

🇯🇵 正規化する (せいきかする)

🇫🇷 normaliser

🇪🇸 normalizar

🇹🇷 normalleştirmek

🇰🇷 정상화하다 (jeongsanghwahada)

🇸🇦 تطبيع

🇨🇿 normalizovat

🇸🇰 normalizovať

🇨🇳 规范化 (guīfànhuà)

🇸🇮 normalizirati

🇮🇸 staðla

🇰🇿 нормализациялау

🇬🇪 ნორმალიზება

🇦🇿 normallaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 normalizar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,949, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22946 polarizing
22947 preeminence
22948 biasing
22949 normalize
22950 overwork
22951 bladed
22952 comradeship
...