westernization

IPA/ˌwestənaɪˈzeɪʃn/
KK[wˌɛstɚnɪzˈeʃən]IPA/ˌwestərnəˈzeɪʃn/

westernization — noun

1. the process of cultural change that occurs when a society starts adopting the pr

1.名詞B2
釋義

the process of cultural change that occurs when a society starts adopting the products, ideas, and customs that first developed in Europe and the United States

例句

Trang watched as westernization brought fast-food chains and shopping malls to her hometown in Vietnam.

westernization + bring + concrete cultural items

Heather wrote her university paper on the westernization of traditional wedding ceremonies in Japan.

westernization + of + [cultural practice] + in + [country]

同義詞
  • Americanization

    focuses specifically on US influence rather than the broader Western world

  • modernization

    broader; refers to adopting newer methods from anywhere, not just the West

  • acculturation

    more neutral academic term for cultural change in any direction

反義詞
  • traditionalism

    resistance to outside influence; preservation of local customs

  • indigenization

    the process of adapting foreign ideas to fit local culture

文法句型

westernization + of + [region/country/society]

用法筆記

Usually uncountable; describes a broad social or cultural shift rather than individual choices. Frequently paired with nouns denoting cultural domains — food, music, fashion, architecture — or geographical regions. The verb form 'westernize' and adjective 'westernized' are more common in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌The westernization of my friend made him like pizza.
✅My friend became westernized after studying abroad and started eating pizza.
💡'westernization' describes a broad process, not an individual's personal change.
❌Westernization is the same as modernization.
✅Westernization means adopting Western ways specifically, while modernization refers to adopting newer technologies or systems from anywhere.
💡The two concepts overlap but are not identical.