genderize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 (Low frequency, primarily in academic, sociological, or critical discourse)Formal, Academic, Critical
Quick answer
What does “genderize” mean?
To attribute, assign, or perceive something through the lens of gender.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To attribute, assign, or perceive something through the lens of gender; to make something gendered.
To treat, describe, or categorize in a way that highlights or imposes distinctions based on gender. It can also refer to the act of assigning a grammatical gender to a word or to making language more inclusive/explicit regarding gender.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Usage is consistent across both varieties in academic contexts.
Connotations
Holds the same analytical, sometimes critical, connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, though slightly more common in American academic publications due to volume.
Grammar
How to Use “genderize” in a Sentence
to genderize [noun phrase] (e.g., genderize a profession)it is problematic to genderize [concept]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “genderize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The report cautioned against the tendency to genderise certain academic disciplines, which can deter potential applicants.
- Historically, many languages genderise inanimate objects.
American English
- The author argues that we genderize children's play by marketing certain toys exclusively to one sex.
- Some software allows you to genderize customer data for targeted advertising.
adverb
British English
- 'Genderisingly' is virtually non-existent and not recommended.
American English
- 'Genderizingly' is virtually non-existent and not recommended.
adjective
British English
- The gendered form is standard. 'Genderised' is a rare alternative spelling for the past participle.
American English
- The gendered form is standard. 'Genderized' is a rare alternative spelling for the past participle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions about marketing strategies or HR policies regarding inclusive language.
Academic
Common in sociology, linguistics, gender studies, and critical theory to analyze how societies impose gender norms.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be understood as a technical term.
Technical
Used in linguistics to describe assigning grammatical gender; in social sciences to describe processes of social categorization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “genderize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “genderize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “genderize”
- Using 'genderize' as a synonym for 'discriminate based on gender' (it's more about categorization than discrimination).
- Confusing it with 'generalize'.
- Overusing in contexts where 'gendered' (adjective) is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in academic, sociological, or linguistic discussions. The adjective 'gendered' is far more common.
'Genderize' relates to categorizing or attributing qualities based on gender roles or identity. 'Sexualize' relates to making something sexual in character or perception. They overlap but are distinct; you can genderize something (e.g., a colour) without necessarily sexualizing it.
Typically, it carries a neutral or critical analytical meaning. In contexts advocating for inclusivity (e.g., 'to genderize language' by using both 'he' and 'she'), it can be neutral, but it often implies an unnecessary or limiting imposition of gender categories.
The most direct noun is 'genderization' (or 'genderisation' in UK spelling).
To attribute, assign, or perceive something through the lens of gender.
Genderize is usually formal, academic, critical in register.
Genderize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒendəraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒendəraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GENDER' + 'IZE' (to make). To 'genderize' is to 'make something about gender'.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER IS A LENS (to genderize is to look through the gender lens); GENDER IS AN ATTRIBUTE (to genderize is to assign the attribute of gender).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'genderize' most appropriately used?