westernize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-Mid FrequencyFormal/Academic, sometimes Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “westernize” mean?
to make something or someone adopt the customs, institutions, technologies, and attitudes associated with Western Europe and North America, especially the United States.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to make something or someone adopt the customs, institutions, technologies, and attitudes associated with Western Europe and North America, especially the United States.
To transform a society, culture, or individual by imposing or promoting Western values, practices, and systems, often with connotations of modernization, globalization, or cultural imperialism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are nearly identical. Spelling may differ if using '-ise/-ize' variants (e.g., 'westernise' in some UK contexts).
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with historical European colonial influence in British usage; stronger association with American cultural and economic influence in American usage.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English discourse on globalization and foreign policy.
Grammar
How to Use “westernize” in a Sentence
to westernize something (transitive)to become westernized (intransitive/passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “westernize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government sought to westernise the nation's legal code.
- Younger generations are rapidly westernising in their tastes.
American English
- The company plans to westernize its management structure.
- Their cuisine has become westernized to appeal to tourists.
adverb
British English
- The city developed westernly (rare; usually 'in a westernized manner').
- They dressed more westernly for the international conference.
American English
- He thought westernly after his years abroad (rare).
- The policy was implemented westernly, with little local adaptation.
adjective
British English
- The westernised elite often spoke fluent English.
- A heavily westernised version of the traditional dish.
American English
- She comes from a westernized family in the capital.
- The westernized sector of the city has many malls.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to adopting Western corporate structures, management styles, and consumer markets.
Academic
Used in sociology, anthropology, and history to critique or analyze cultural change and imperialism.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in discussions about travel, food, or cultural changes in other countries.
Technical
Used in political science and international relations to describe geopolitical influence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “westernize”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “westernize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “westernize”
- Using 'westernize' to mean simply 'to go west' geographically.
- Confusing 'westernize' (cultural process) with 'modernize' (technological/process update, which may be separate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is descriptive. However, it often appears in critical contexts discussing cultural imperialism. It can be used neutrally to describe a process of adaptation or modernization.
'Westernize' is broader, encompassing European and North American (including Canadian, Australian) influences. 'Americanize' is a subset, specifically referring to U.S. culture, brands, and political models.
Yes, it can describe a person adopting Western habits, dress, or attitudes (e.g., 'He became westernized after studying in London').
Both are accepted. '-ize' is the standard Oxford spelling and is common in American English. '-ise' is often used in other UK contexts. Dictionaries list both.
to make something or someone adopt the customs, institutions, technologies, and attitudes associated with Western Europe and North America, especially the United States.
Westernize is usually formal/academic, sometimes journalistic in register.
Westernize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛstəˌnʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛstərˌnaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wolf in Western clothing (rare play on 'wolf in sheep's clothing')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'West' adding '-ernize' (like 'modernize') to a place, turning it toward Western ways.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURE IS A FABRIC THAT CAN BE REMADE. (e.g., 'rewoven along Western lines')
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most specific to the influence of Western European and North American culture?