homogenize
/həʊˈmɒdʒ.ə.naɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make different things the same or very similar. It often means removing differences in size, texture, taste, or style.
- The company tried to homogenize its products worldwide.
- Milk is homogenized to stop the cream from separating.
- Schools should not homogenize every student's ideas.
Adinary Nuance
Homogenize is stronger and more technical than make similar. It suggests a process that removes differences until things look or act alike. Writers often choose it for science, business, or social change, not for casual everyday speech.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đồng nhất hóa
- Spanish
- homogeneizar
- Chinese
- 均质化
- Japanese
- 均質化する
- Korean
- 균질화하다
Etymology
From Greek homos meaning 'same' and genos meaning 'kind' or 'type'. It entered English in the 19th century, first in science and later in general use.
Common phrases
homogenize the mixturehomogenize milka homogenized society
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is homogenize a formal word?
- Yes. It is mostly used in formal, technical, or academic writing.
- What is the difference between homogenize and standardize?
- Homogenize means to make things more alike. Standardize means to make them follow one fixed standard.
- Is homogenize used in science?
- Yes. It is common in science, especially for mixing liquids or making textures even.
- Can I use homogenize in everyday speech?
- You can, but it may sound formal. In casual speech, people often say make uniform or make similar.