Rusticize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rusticize

[ˈrʌstɪsaɪz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to make something more rustic

Rusticize means to give something a more rural or natural appearance, often by using traditional materials and techniques. It is a process of adding rustic charm to a place or object.

Synonyms

country-fy, naturalize, ruralize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rusticize	Use when aiming to give something an old-fashioned or rural appearance, typically in architecture, clothing, or decor. They decided to rusticize the interior of the cottage with wooden beams and antique furniture. The wedding planner was instructed to rusticize the venue to match the countryside theme.
ruralize	Use in contexts where there is a transformation to make an area more rural or better suited for rural life, often in social and economic contexts. The government’s plan to ruralize some urban regions aims to reduce city congestion. They wanted to ruralize the area to encourage farming and sustainable living.
country-fy	Informal term used when making something resemble or relate more to the countryside, often in decorations or lifestyle. We country-fied the living room with some vintage farm signs. Her playlist was full of songs that really country-fied the party atmosphere.
naturalize	Use when making something appear more natural or when something becomes integrated into a new environment, frequently in ecological or legal contexts. The architect aimed to naturalize the park by planting indigenous trees and plants. He went through the process to naturalize and finally became a citizen.

Examples of usage

The interior designer rusticized the old farmhouse by adding wooden beams and antique furniture.
She rusticized the garden by planting wildflowers and installing a wooden fence.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

Rusticize is often used in architecture to describe a style that incorporates natural materials like wood and stone.
This style aims to blend structures with their natural surroundings, promoting harmony with the environment.
Historic homes built in the 1800s often feature rustic details like exposed beams and stone facades to create warmth.

Art and Design

In art, rusticizing can refer to applying techniques that give artwork a rough, textured look, reminiscent of countryside life.
The movement towards rustic design in home decor gained traction in the late 20th century, emphasizing handmade and artisanal pieces.
Famous artists like Vincent van Gogh often portrayed rustic themes in their works, celebrating the beauty of rural settings.

Cultural Significance

In a fast-paced world, rusticizing brings nostalgia and a sense of comfort associated with simpler times.
This trend can be seen in modern farmhouse style, which combines contemporary elements with rustic charm, attracting many homeowners.
Cultural festivals celebrating rural traditions often glorify rustic aesthetics, connecting people to their heritage.

Psychology

The preference for rustic environments is linked to feelings of relaxation and well-being, often termed 'biophilia'.
Nature-inspired settings may reduce stress levels, making them popular choices for retreats and vacation homes.
Rustic elements in design can evoke a sense of authenticity and groundedness, appealing to those seeking a break from urban life.

Origin of 'rusticize'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'rusticus', meaning 'of the country', which relates to rural or countryside life.
It first appeared in English literature in the mid-19th century, reflecting a growing interest in rural aesthetics.
Related words like 'rustic' emphasize simplicity and charm found in country lifestyles.

The word 'rusticize' is a combination of 'rustic' and the suffix '-ize', which means 'to make'. The term originated in the mid-19th century and was used to describe the process of giving a rustic or countryside feel to something. It gained popularity in the context of interior design and architecture, where the rustic aesthetic became a trend.