globalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Business, Academic
Quick answer
What does “globalize” mean?
To make (something, especially a business or activity) operate on an international scale.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make (something, especially a business or activity) operate on an international scale; to develop worldwide influence or integration.
To extend or expand something (like an idea, trend, problem, or system) to a worldwide scope; to become interconnected globally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'globalise' is standard in British English; 'globalize' is standard in American English. The '-ise'/-'ize' distinction applies.
Connotations
Slightly more frequent in American business discourse, but equally established in both varieties. The concept itself is neutral, but context determines positive (opportunity, growth) or negative (exploitation, homogenization) connotations.
Frequency
Both variants are high-frequency in relevant domains (economics, business studies). No significant difference in usage frequency between UK and US beyond the spelling.
Grammar
How to Use “globalize” in a Sentence
[S] + globalize + [O] (transitive)[S] (industry/economy) + globalize (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “globalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm sought to globalise its operations.
- Many industries have rapidly globalised over the past two decades.
American English
- The brand strategy is to globalize the product line.
- Capital markets began to globalize in the 1980s.
adverb
British English
- The company expanded globally. (related adverb)
- The product was marketed globally.
American English
- They think globally but act locally. (related adverb)
- The team works globally.
adjective
British English
- This is a globalised industry. (from past participle)
- We live in a globalising world. (from present participle)
American English
- They operate in a globalized market.
- A globalizing economy presents both risks and opportunities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company plans to globalize its supply chain to reduce costs.
Academic
Critics argue that to globalize trade without robust labor standards exacerbates inequality.
Everyday
Social media has helped to globalize trends in fashion and music.
Technical
The software was designed with a globalized architecture from the outset, supporting multiple currencies and languages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “globalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “globalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “globalize”
- Using as a noun ("the globalize" – incorrect; use "globalization"). Confusing spelling variants (globalise/globalize). Overusing in non-commercial contexts where 'spread' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most common in business/economics, it is also used for culture, trends, problems (e.g., 'globalize a meme', 'climate change is a globalized issue').
The noun form is 'globalization' (or 'globalisation' in UK spelling).
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'The industry globalized rapidly.' The transitive use ('They globalized the industry.') is more frequent.
'Internationalize' often implies operating between nations, while 'globalize' implies a seamless, worldwide integrated system. 'Globalize' suggests a more comprehensive, border-transcending scale.
To make (something, especially a business or activity) operate on an international scale.
Globalize is usually formal, business, academic in register.
Globalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡləʊb(ə)lʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡloʊbəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a globalized world”
- “the forces of globalization”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the GLOBE getting larger (-ize) in its connections.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORLD IS A NETWORK (to globalize is to weave something into this network).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym of 'globalize'?