Westernized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Westernized

[ˈwɛstərnaɪzd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

society

Having been influenced by or made to resemble Western (European or North American) customs, traditions, or values.

Synonyms

Americanized, Europeanized, modernized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Westernized	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.
modernized	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.
Americanized	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.
Europeanized	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.

Examples of usage

The country has become increasingly westernized in recent years.
The younger generation is more westernized compared to their parents.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

culture

To adopt or assimilate Western culture or customs.

Synonyms

Americanize, Europeanize, modernize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Westernized	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.
modernize	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.
Americanize	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.
Europeanize	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.

Examples of usage

The local cuisine has been westernized to appeal to tourists.
The government is trying to westernize the education system.

Translations

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

Origin of 'Westernized'

The term 'westernized' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the word 'westernize', which in turn comes from 'West' + '-ize', indicating the process of making something more Western in character. The concept of westernization has been a topic of study in sociology and cultural studies, exploring the impact of Western influence on non-Western societies.