romanise
|ro-ma-nise|
🇺🇸
/ˈroʊməˌnaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈrəʊmənaɪz/
convert into Roman (Latin) letters
Etymology
'romanise' originates from French, specifically the word 'romaniser', where 'roman' meant 'Roman, of Rome'.
'romaniser' came into English usage via Middle French/Modern French; ultimately from Latin 'Romanus' meaning 'Roman', and developed into the English verb 'romanise'.
Initially it often meant 'make Roman in character' (relating to Rome or Roman ways); with increased linguistic study it came to be used especially for 'convert into Roman (Latin) letters' (transliteration).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to represent (a language or text written in a non-Latin script) using the Latin (Roman) alphabet; to transliterate or transcribe into Roman letters.
The Japanese place name 東京 is commonly romanised as "Tokyo."
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to make something Roman in character or style; to give Roman (of ancient Rome) qualities.
In certain historical contexts, towns were romanised with Roman law and architecture.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 16:13