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naturalize

verb

/ˈnætʃ ər əˌlaɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of naturalize

To grant or acquire citizenship or legal status in a country to an individual who was not originally a citizen.
"After years of living in the country, she decided to naturalize and become a citizen."

Detailed meaning of naturalize

It involves formally recognizing and accepting someone as a member of a particular nation, usually after meeting specific legal requirements and going through an official procedure. Naturalization typically requires fulfilling criteria such as residency, language proficiency, knowledge of the country's laws and history, and passing citizenship tests. The act of naturalizing is a significant step in integrating into a new society and gaining the rights and privileges of a citizen. It entails embracing the customs, culture, and responsibilities of the adopted country, and renouncing previous allegiances or loyalties to other nations. Through naturalization, individuals become full members of the society, enjoying the benefits of citizenship, including voting rights, access to public services, and protection under the law.

Example sentences containing naturalize

1. The government proposed a new plan to naturalize more immigrants next year.
2. She will study hard to pass her citizenship test and hopefully naturalize soon.
3. They moved to Canada with a dream to naturalize and call it their home.
4. Experts believe that it is important to naturalize newcomers to maintain social harmony.
5. The new policy intends to naturalize those who have lived in the country for over a decade.
6. To naturalize in any country, one must adhere to the rules and regulations set by its government.

History and etymology of naturalize

The verb 'natter' has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to the Middle English word 'natren' or 'gnatteren,' which meant to grumble or find fault. It is believed to have evolved from the Old Norse word 'gnata,' which also meant to grumble or complain. Over time, the meaning of 'natter' shifted to refer to casual, often rambling, and inconsequential conversation or chatter. This evolution likely occurred as people began to use the word to describe the light, idle talk that resembles grumbling in its aimless and sometimes trivial nature. Thus, 'natter' retains a connection to its origins in expressing the idea of informal and meandering conversation, often without a specific purpose or point.

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Further usage examples of naturalize

1. They hoped to naturalize before the end of the year to vote in the upcoming election.
2. A potential way to increase diversity in a nation is to naturalize more immigrants.
3. The administration's goal is to naturalize all qualified applicants by the end of the term.
4. Understanding the culture and language of a country can speed up the process to naturalize.
5. The government is planning to naturalize several thousand refugees by the end of this year.
6. She had to pass a rigorous test to naturalize and become a full citizen.
7. It is a common goal among many immigrants to naturalize and achieve citizenship.
8. To naturalize, an immigrant must demonstrate a profound understanding of the nation's history.
9. The current administration has streamlined the process to naturalize, making it more accessible for immigrants.
10. To naturalize in a new country is a significant step towards building a new life.
11. The dream to naturalize in the United States has led many to cross borders and seas.
12. The current legal pathway to naturalize is both complex and time-consuming.
13. He plans to naturalize as soon as he completes his five-year residency in Canada.
14. The process to naturalize varies from country to country, reflecting differing immigration policies.