Cosmopolitanize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To make a place, person, or culture more cosmopolitan by introducing international influences and broadening social or cultural horizons
2. To transform an environment or individual by incorporating diverse global elements, resulting in a more worldly and open character
3. To adapt or change something to reflect a more global outlook and inclusive nature that embraces varied customs and ideas

Etymology: "Cosmopolitanize" is a plain formation: "cosmopolitan" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize" attached. The base word "cosmopolitan" comes from Greek "kosmopolites", meaning "citizen of the world", built from "kosmos" (world, order) and "polites" (citizen). The Greek sense of belonging to the whole world, rather than a single city, is what the adjective carries into English. The suffix "-ize" comes from Greek "-izein", used to form verbs meaning "to make into" or "to treat in the manner of". Attached to "cosmopolitan", it gives the sense of making something cosmopolitan: reshaping a place, practice or idea so that it reflects many cultures and outlooks. The verb is a straightforward derivation, so its meaning follows directly from its parts.

Synonyms: globalize, internationalize