occidentalize

/,ɔksi'dentəlaiz/

Thân thiện

The company decided to occidentalize its office dress code.

Definition

Verb: - To cause (a person, society, culture, or place) to adopt characteristics, customs, ideas, or institutions that are associated with Western Europe and North America. It describes a process of cultural or social change toward Western norms.

Usage

The verb "occidentalize" describes an active process of transformation. It is typically used in sociological, historical, or cultural discussions. - It is often used in the passive voice ("be occidentalized") to describe something that has undergone this change. - The subject causing the change is often a force, influence, policy, or event.

Examples

• The rapid industrialization and trade policies served to occidentalize many aspects of the urban economy.
• Some scholars argue that globalization has the potential to occidentalize local cultures.
• The nation's legal system was occidentalized during the period of reform.

Advanced Usage

• "to occidentalize oneself": This reflexive form is less common but can be used to describe an individual's conscious adoption of Western manners, dress, or habits.
  • He spent years abroad and gradually occidentalized himself.

Variants and Related Words

• Occidentalization (noun): The process or result of becoming occidentalized.
  • The occidentalization of the cuisine was evident in the new cafes.
• Westernize (verb): A much more common synonym with essentially the same meaning. "Occidentalize" is a more formal, academic alternative derived from "Occident," a term for the West.

Synonyms

• Westernize: The most direct and frequently used synonym.
• Modernize (in specific contexts): When "modernize" implicitly means to adopt Western models of development or technology.
• Assimilate (to Western culture): To absorb and integrate into the dominant Western culture.

Antonyms

• Orientalize: To make Eastern in character.
• Traditionalize: To make or keep traditional, often resisting Western influence.

Notes on Meaning

• The term often carries a neutral, descriptive tone in academic writing but can imply a critical perspective on cultural imperialism or loss of indigenous traditions, depending on context.
• It specifically refers to adopting traits associated with the "Occident" (the West), which distinguishes it from broader terms like "modernize."

Học thuật

Verb

1. make western in character
   • The country was Westernized after it opened up

Từ đồng nghĩa

• occidentalise
• westernize
• westernise