industrialize
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To develop industries in a country or region on a large scale.
To convert (an economy, society, area, etc.) to a system based on mechanized manufacturing and factory production; to organize or structure something along the lines of industrial production.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in historical, economic, and geographical contexts. Can be transitive (a country industrializes its economy) or intransitive (a country is industrializing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. British English also uses 'industrialise' (with 's').
Connotations
Neutral to positive in economic development contexts; can carry negative connotations related to pollution, loss of traditional ways of life, or dehumanization.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in American English due to historical emphasis on industrial development.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] industrialize[NP] industrialize [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company plans to industrialize its production methods to cut costs.
Academic
The study examines how European nations began to industrialize in the 19th century.
Everyday
The region has industrialized a lot in the last twenty years.
Technical
The goal is to industrialize the additive manufacturing process for automotive parts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government invested heavily to industrialise the northern regions.
- The process to industrialise began in the late 18th century.
American English
- The nation was able to industrialize quickly after the war.
- They needed to industrialize their farming techniques to compete.
adverb
British English
- [Rare - typically 'industrially'] The area developed industrially, not agriculturally.
American English
- [Rare - typically 'industrially'] The country grew industrially at an unprecedented rate.
adjective
British English
- The newly industrialised nation faced new social challenges.
- We studied the industrialising economies of Asia.
American English
- The industrialized world is responsible for most carbon emissions.
- The industrializing city attracted thousands of migrant workers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many countries have factories. They industrialize.
- In the 20th century, many Asian countries started to industrialize quickly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: INDUSTRY + al + ize = To make into an industry.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS INDUSTRIALIZATION; PROGRESS IS FACTORY CONSTRUCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'индустриализировать' (direct equivalent, formal); avoid using 'индустриализовать' (less common). Watch for false friends like 'индустриальный' (industrial) which is an adjective.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The government wants to industrialize the agriculture.' (Better: 'industrialize agricultural production' or 'mechanize agriculture'). Incorrect spelling in BrE: 'industrialise' is correct, but 'industrialize' is also accepted.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'industrialize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used in both varieties. The spelling 'industrialise' is preferred in British English, while 'industrialize' is standard in American English.
It is most commonly used for countries or regions, but it can be used metaphorically for companies or processes (e.g., 'industrialize software development').
The main noun forms are 'industrialization' (US) / 'industrialisation' (UK) and 'industrializer' (one who industrializes).
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can imply progress and wealth (positive) or pollution and social disruption (negative).
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