latinize
|lat-i-nize|
🇺🇸
/ˈlætəˌnaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈlæt.ɪ.naɪz/
make Latin
Etymology
'latinize' originates from English, formed from 'Latin' + the suffix '-ize', where the suffix '-ize' ultimately derives from Greek '-izein' meaning 'to make or do'.
'latinize' changed from French 'latiniser' and Medieval Latin 'latinizare' and eventually became the modern English word 'latinize'.
Initially, it meant 'to make Latin' (convert into Latin language or form), but over time it expanded to include 'to transliterate into the Latin script' and 'to give Latin or Western characteristics'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to render or convert into Latin language or form; to express (words, names, or texts) in Latin.
Editors often latinize foreign place names in academic publications.
Synonyms
Verb 2
to transliterate or convert text into the Latin (Roman) alphabet or script.
Linguists latinize scripts from non-Roman writing systems for comparative study.
Synonyms
Verb 3
to give something Latin characteristics or to cause it to adopt Latin/Western cultural features.
Policies were designed to latinize local administrative practices.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 16:02