graecize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “graecize” mean?
To make or become Greek in character, form, or style.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make or become Greek in character, form, or style.
To adopt or imitate Greek language, culture, customs, or artistic forms; to Hellenize.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling is identical, but British English may use 'Hellenise' (British spelling) more frequently as a synonym. The verb is exceptionally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In historical contexts, can have a neutral, descriptive tone. In cultural criticism, it may carry connotations of cultural imposition or elite affectation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage. Found almost exclusively in scholarly historical or philological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “graecize” in a Sentence
[Subject] graecized [Object][Subject] attempted to graecize[Object] became graecizedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graecize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Romans sought to graecise their literature and philosophy.
- Local deities were often graecised by the ruling elite.
American English
- The conquerors attempted to Graecize the local administrative system.
- His writing style became heavily Graecized after his studies in Athens.
adverb
British English
- The temple was decorated graecisingly, with Doric columns.
- He wrote graecisingly, imitating Homeric epithets.
American English
- The policy was implemented graecizingly, promoting Greek language.
- She composed her poetry graecizingly.
adjective
British English
- The graecised version of the myth differed significantly.
- A graecising tendency was evident in their art.
American English
- The Graecized form of the name is more familiar.
- A Graecizing influence permeated the court.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in history, classics, and linguistics to describe the adoption of Greek culture by other peoples (e.g., Roman, Near Eastern).
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in philology and historical analysis of texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graecize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “graecize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graecize”
- Spelling: 'Grecize', 'Graesize'.
- Using it in modern, non-historical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for all practical purposes they are synonyms, though 'Hellenize' is far more common in modern scholarly writing.
It is exceptionally rare. It is primarily a historical term. A modern example might be jocular or metaphorical: 'His holiday in Santorini completely graecized his taste in interior decor.'
Graecization (US) / Graecisation (UK). Example: 'The Graecization of the Roman upper class was a gradual process.'
Yes, 'Graecizing' (as in 'a Graecizing influence') or the past participle 'Graecized' (as in 'a Graecized text').
To make or become Greek in character, form, or style.
Graecize is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Graecize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːsaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrisaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GRECE-ize' – to make something like GREECE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURAL ASSIMILATION IS ADOPTION (adopting the cultural 'clothing' of Greece).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'to graecize'?