Westernized: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the adoption of Western culture, values, or lifestyle, generally seen in countries outside of the Western hemisphere.

• The country has become quite Westernized over the years, with fast food chains and shopping malls popping up everywhere.
• Her Westernized education has influenced her career choices and lifestyle.

Used to describe the process of adopting new, advanced technologies, methods, or ideas, generally for improving efficiency or quality of life.

• The factory was modernized with state-of-the-art machinery to increase production.
• The school curriculum has been modernized to include coding and digital literacy.

Best used when specifically focusing on the influence of American culture, values, or lifestyle within a particular society or individual.

• The city has been Americanized, with jazz music and baseball becoming quite popular.
• The company's policies have been Americanized to match those of its parent company in the U.S.

Applicable when discussing the influence of European culture, practices, or lifestyle in another region or country.

• The architecture of the downtown area has a Europeanized feel, with cobblestone streets and old churches.
• The nation's cuisine has been Europeanized, favoring wine and cheese over traditional dishes.

Utilized when describing the adoption of cultural, economic, or political practices typical of Western countries, often referencing a combination of Europe and North America. Can be neutral or carry positive connotations of advancement.

• The city has become quite Westernized with its new shopping malls and fast food chains.
• His Westernized lifestyle included wearing suits and drinking coffee every morning.

Used in a general sense to indicate updating something to fit contemporary standards or technology. Neutral or positive connotations of improvement and progress.

• We intend to modernize our infrastructure to better serve the population.
• The company invested heavily to modernize its IT systems.

Specifically refers to adopting United States cultural, economic, or political practices. May have positive or negative connotations depending on perspective.

• Many countries Americanize their education systems to enhance competitiveness.
• Critics argue that the local culture is undermined when we Americanize our media content.

Describes the adoption of European cultural, economic, or political practices. Often seen in contexts involving modernization or alignment with the European Union.

• The government's new policies aim to Europeanize the legal system.
• Our cuisine has been Europeanized with the incorporation of Mediterranean dishes.