Definition

1. Verb (transitive): To make Italian in character, style, or form; to cause something to adopt Italian customs, language, or cultural traits.

   • This word describes the process of modifying something (e.g., a name, a dish, a design) to resemble or conform to Italian standards or traditions.

2. Verb (intransitive, less common): To become Italian in character or style; to adopt Italian ways or identity.

Usage Examples

• Transitive:

  • The chef decided to italianise the menu by adding pasta and olive oil to every dish. (The chef adapted the menu to Italian cuisine.)
  • The immigrant family began to italianise their surname after moving to Rome. (They changed their family name to sound Italian.)

• Intransitive:

  • Over generations, the community slowly italianised, adopting local customs and language. (The community gradually became Italian in character.)

Advanced Usage

• "to italianise a word": to modify a foreign word so that it fits Italian pronunciation, spelling, or grammar.

  • The English term "computer" was italianised as "computer" (with Italian pronunciation) or "elaboratore" in some formal contexts. (The word was adapted to Italian usage.)

• "italianised architecture": buildings or structures that incorporate Italian design elements, such as columns, arches, or terracotta roofs.

  • The new hotel featured italianised architecture with a Tuscan-style facade. (The building adopted Italian architectural features.)

Variants and Related Words

• Italianisation (noun): the process of making something Italian.

  • The italianisation of the local cuisine was evident in the widespread use of basil and tomatoes. (The process of adopting Italian food traits.)

• Italianiser (noun): a person or thing that italianises.

  • The chef was an enthusiastic italianiser, adding Parmesan to every recipe. (Someone who makes things Italian.)

Synonyms

• Italianize (alternative spelling): same meaning as italianise.
• Latinise: to make something Latin in character (broader, not exclusively Italian).
• Naturalise: to adopt something into a new cultural context (less specific to Italy).

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly. However, the verb can be used with prepositions:
  • Italianise into: to transform something into an Italian form.

    • The recipe was italianised into a classic carbonara. (The dish was adapted to an Italian version.)

Related Idioms

• None directly. The concept of "italianise" is more formal and less idiomatic. However, it can be used in a figurative sense:
  • "to italianise one's lifestyle": to adopt Italian habits, such as enjoying long meals or valuing art.

    • After her trip to Florence, she began to italianise her lifestyle, taking siestas and drinking espresso. (She adopted Italian customs.)