Regionalization

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of structuring a broader entity into smaller identifiable zones to improve management and governance
2. A methodology that focuses on enhancing local characteristics and frameworks through the establishment of regions
3. The process of breaking a larger area into smaller units for better administration ; the strategy of fostering unique qualities and growth within specific local zones

Etymology: "Regionalization" is a plain formation: the verb "regionalize" with the suffix "-ation" added. The verb "regionalize" is itself built from "regional" plus "-ize," so the word is a chain of three familiar pieces stacked on one another. "Regional" comes from "region," which descends from Latin "regio," meaning a direction, boundary, or district, and the "-al" added to it turns the noun into an adjective meaning relating to a region. The suffix "-ize" traces back through Late Latin "-izare" and Ancient Greek "-izein," used to form verbs meaning to make or to treat in a certain way. English took it in through Middle French "-iser" and Middle English "-isen," and it became a productive way to coin new verbs. "Regionalize" therefore means to make something regional or to divide it into regions. The final "-ation" comes from Latin "-atio," via Old French "-ation" and Middle English "-acioun." It turns a verb into a noun naming the act or process, so "regionalization" names the process of carrying out that division, or the policy of developing local areas as distinct units.

Synonyms: regionalism, localization, decentralization, zoning, division

Antonyms: centralization, uniformity, homogenization, standardization, consolidation