Meaning & Definition of word "Naturalization"

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    Naturalization

    /ˌnætʃərəlɪˈzeɪʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. The legal process by which a non-citizen in a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country.
      • Example: Her application for naturalization was approved after a thorough review of her background.
    • 2. The process of adapting something to a new environment, often referring to plants or animals.
      • Example: The naturalization of the foreign plant species changed the local ecosystem significantly.
    • 3. The formal admission of a foreigner to the rights of a citizen.
      • Example: His naturalization ceremony was a memorable event, marking his new life as an American citizen.

    Etymology

    Derived from the Latin 'naturalizatio', from 'naturalizare', meaning to make natural.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    naturalization ceremony:

    A formal event where new citizens take an oath of loyalty to their new country.

    pathway to citizenship:

    The procedures and processes that lead to legal citizenship.

    dual citizenship:

    The status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously, often a result of naturalization.

    Related Words

    citizen:

    A person who is legally recognized as a member of a state.

    nationality:

    The status of belonging to a particular nation.

    immigration:

    The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country.

    Slang Meanings of naturalization

    Meaning: Natty

    Example Sentence: He's going through the natty process to become a citizen.

    Meaning: Naturalize

    Example Sentence: After living here for years, he's finally ready to naturalize.