Langimage
English

westernize

|west-ern-ize|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈwɛstərˌnaɪz/

🇬🇧

/ˈwɛstənˌaɪz/

adopting Western culture

Etymology
Etymology Information

'westernize' originates from 'Western,' specifically the word 'west,' where 'west' meant 'the direction in which the sun sets.'

Historical Evolution

'western' transformed from the Old English word 'westerne' and eventually became the modern English word 'western.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make something Western in character,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to influence or adapt to Western systems.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to influence or adapt to the cultural, economic, or political systems of the Western world.

Many countries have sought to westernize their economies.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/06/03 03:11