Words / B2

in-DUSTR-ee-uh-lyz/ɪnˈdʌstriəlaɪz/

To industrialise (UK) is to develop factories and industry on a large scale: industrialise a region; Britain industrialised early. US spelling is industrialize. Industrial is the adjective (already in the dictionary). The essay asked how Britain industrialised. Noun: industrialisation. Do not use it for decorating a classroom with posters.

Meaning

To develop industry on a large scale in a country or region (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The essay asked how Britain industrialised before its European rivals.”
• “US style guides prefer industrialize; UK boards still use industrialise, which is a spelling point.”

Good to know

industrialise a country / economy. US: industrialize. Noun: industrialisation. Adjective: industrial. History and development geography.

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