naturalization
NACH-er-uh-lih-ZAY-shun
/ˌnætʃərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The legal act or process by which a non-citizen in a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country.
The final step in the legal journey of an immigrant to becoming a full member of a state.
The story behind the word. From the word 'natural', based on the Latin 'naturalis' (by birth). The idea is to give a foreigner the same 'natural' rights as someone born in the country.
Word relationships
- citizenship process: A simpler, more descriptive phrase for the same legal procedure.
Commonly confused with
- immigration: Immigration is the act of moving; naturalization is the legal process of becoming a citizen.
Word family
- naturalize (verb): To admit a foreigner to the citizenship of a country.
Collocations
- naturalization ceremony
- apply for naturalization
- naturalization laws
Example sentences
- "The naturalization process involves a background check, an interview, and a citizenship test." A government website description.
- "The naturalization of the soul is a long process." A historical context.
Memory hook
Naturalization makes you a 'natural' member of your new country. Becoming a natural citizen.
When not to use
Do not use for the initial act of moving; it only refers to the legal process of gaining citizenship.
Fun facts
- In the United States, the naturalization ceremony often ends with the 'Oath of Allegiance'.
Related words
Explore more words
stateless, repatriation, immigrant, asylum, enfranchise, repatriate
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