Culturizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To influence or shape one's cultural identity or practices through education or exposure
2. to enhance understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity through engagement
3. to promote the integration of cultural values and norms into individual or community behaviors

Etymology: "Culturize" is a plain formation: the noun "culture" with the verbal suffix "-ize", which turns a noun into a verb meaning to make something conform to or be shaped by that noun. The noun "culture" came into English from Middle French, and the suffix "-ize" passed into English through Middle French and Late Latin from Ancient Greek "-izein", a suffix used to build verbs from nouns and adjectives. The verb is therefore a hybrid: a French-derived base joined to a Greek-derived ending. Its meaning follows the pattern of similar verbs such as "civilize" or "organize", describing a process of bringing people or groups into a particular set of shared customs, values and norms.

Synonyms: civilizes, cultivates, refines, educates, enlightens

Antonyms: barbarizes, neglects, ignores, uncultivates, degrades