vulgarize

[ vuhl-guh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, vul·gar·ized, vul·gar·iz·ing.

1. to make vulgar or coarse; lower; debase:

   to vulgarize standards of behavior.

2. to make (a technical or abstruse work) easier to understand and more widely known; popularize.
3. to translate (a work) from a classical language into the vernacular.

vulgarize

/ ˈvʌlɡəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to make commonplace or vulgar; debase
2. to make (something little known or difficult to understand) widely known or popular among the public; popularize

Derived Forms

• ˈvulgarˌizer, noun
• ˌvulgariˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• vulgar·i·zation noun
• vulgar·izer noun
• un·vulgar·ize verb (used with object) unvulgarized unvulgarizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of vulgarize¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; vulgar + -ize

Example Sentences

To “paint” the subject merely to make it more real, is only to insult the imaginative power and to vulgarize the whole.

From Project Gutenberg

Please don't let the mention of money vulgarize a little friendly act like this.

From Project Gutenberg

That is not so painful; it does not vulgarize you so much as the cups they paint to-day and christen after me!

From Project Gutenberg

They lived in Victoria Villas, one of those smaller streets which copy and vulgarize the better ones in all London suburbs.

From Project Gutenberg

But whatever the cause, a vulgar paper will vulgarize any room, no matter what is done in the way of furniture.

From Project Gutenberg