Vulgarize: meaning, definitions and examples

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vulgarize

 

[ ˈvʌlɡəraɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

language use

To vulgarize means to make something more commonplace or to present it in a form that is less sophisticated or refined. It often refers to making concepts, ideas, or language accessible to a broader audience, sometimes at the expense of the original intent or depth.

Synonyms

dumb down, popularize, reduce, simplify.

Examples of usage

  • The scholar's work was vulgarized for a general audience.
  • He vulgarized complex theories in his popular science book.
  • The film vulgarized Shakespeare's play for mainstream viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "vulgarize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vulgarizar

🇮🇳 सामान्य बनाना

🇩🇪 vulgär machen

🇮🇩 menggambarkan secara kasar

🇺🇦 вульгаризувати

🇵🇱 wulgaryzować

🇯🇵 大衆化する

🇫🇷 vulgariser

🇪🇸 vulgarizar

🇹🇷 vulgarlık yapmak

🇰🇷 속락하다

🇸🇦 تعميم

🇨🇿 vulgarizovat

🇸🇰 vulgarizovať

🇨🇳 通俗化

🇸🇮 vulgarizirati

🇮🇸 vulgara

🇰🇿 вульгаризациялау

🇬🇪 ვულგარიზება

🇦🇿 vulqarlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 vulgarizar

Etymology

The term 'vulgarize' originates from the Latin word 'vulgāris', which means 'of the common people'. The evolution of the word traces back to the mid-19th century, where it began to take on a more specific meaning related to the process of making something more accessible, particularly in intellectual or artistic contexts. Traditionally, 'vulgus' referred to the general population, indicating a shift from elite or specialized knowledge to broader accessibility. Over time, 'vulgarize' has sometimes acquired a negative connotation, implying that the simplification process results in a loss of quality or sophistication. In contemporary usage, especially in academia and media, 'vulgarization' is often discussed in relation to the balance between making content understandable and preserving its complexity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,004, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.