Italianates

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To imbue with characteristics typical of Italy or its culture ; to adapt language, behavior, or style to resemble Italian customs ; to incorporate Italian elements into various contexts or expressions
2. To modify or influence something so that it reflects Italian traits or qualities ; to make language or manners conform to those associated with Italian tradition ; to infuse Italian-specific aspects into art, speech, or conduct
3. To cause something to take on Italian features ; to shape or transform mannerisms, language, or cultural expressions according to Italian norms ; to introduce Italian stylistic or cultural features into different forms or practices

Etymology: "Italianates" is the third-person singular present form of "Italianate," so it is a verb built on the adjective. The adjective is itself a simple formation: "Italian" with the suffix "-ate," which in English forms adjectives and verbs from Latin-derived bases, as in "passionate" or "desolate." Put together, "Italianate" means something like "made Italian" or "given Italian character," and the verb follows that same sense of giving something an Italian quality. The word is a plain coinage rather than a folk-etymology puzzle. Its story lies in the suffix and in the base name, not in any surprising shift of meaning, so the clearest way to see it is as a derived form of "Italian" with the familiar "-ate" ending.

Synonyms: italianizes, italianises, romanizes, latinizes