internationalize
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To make something (e.g., a company, policy, or issue) active, applicable, or known across multiple nations.
To bring under the control or influence of multiple nations; to adapt or design for a global market or audience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in contexts of business expansion, global governance, and software/localization. Implies a deliberate, strategic action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'internationalise' (with 's') is standard in British English, while 'internationalize' (with 'z') is standard in American English.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation beyond the spelling variation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to global business discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + internationalize + [Direct Object] (e.g., The company internationalized its brand).[Subject] (passive) + be internationalized (e.g., The issue was internationalized by the media).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms specifically for this verb.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board decided to internationalize their supply chain to reduce costs.
Academic
Scholars debate whether to internationalize the standards for academic accreditation.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in discussions about a local business 'going global'.
Technical
In software development, to internationalize code means to design it so it can be easily adapted for different languages.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The university aims to internationalise its student body by attracting more overseas applicants.
- They decided to internationalise the product line to boost sales.
American English
- The firm needs to internationalize its marketing strategy to compete.
- It's difficult to internationalize a purely domestic brand.
adverb
British English
- No direct adverb form. Use 'internationally'.
American English
- No direct adverb form. Use 'internationally'.
adjective
British English
- No direct adjective form. Use 'international'.
American English
- No direct adjective form. Use 'international'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Our school has students from many countries; it is very international.
- The company wants to sell its products in other countries.
- To grow, the business must develop a strategy to enter foreign markets.
- The management's primary objective is to internationalize the brand within the next five years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: INTER-NATION-AL-IZE. You take something and make it work BETWEEN NATIONS.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPANSION IS MOVING OUTWARD (from domestic to international sphere).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'интернационализировать' in informal contexts; it sounds overly formal. In business contexts, 'выводить на международный уровень' (to bring to an international level) is often more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'internationalize' with 'nationalize' (which means to bring under state control).
- Misspelling: 'internationize' (missing 'al').
- Incorrect use in passive without an object that logically can be made international.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'internationalize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Globalize' implies a worldwide, often seamless integration. 'Internationalize' often focuses on the process of crossing national boundaries and can involve discrete steps into specific countries or regions.
Yes, e.g., 'The exchange programme helped to internationalize the students' perspectives.' It means to give them an international outlook.
Yes, in British English, the preferred spelling is with 's' ('internationalise'), following the '-ise' suffix convention.
The noun is 'internationalization' (or 'internationalisation' in UK spelling).