Standard Lemma guide

embourgeoisement

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ɒmbɔːˈʒwazmɑ̃/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The process of adopting or the condition of adopting the characteristics of the bourgeoisie; bourgeoisification; the process of becoming affluent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The proliferation in a society of values perceived as characteristic of the middle class, especially of materialism.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A shift to bourgeois values and practices.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • 2007: Lesley Thomas, The Observer: Before you sneer at Fergie..., Sunday the 30th of September We mould our children stealthily, force-feeding them allegorical Japanese films from Studio Gibley when they may prefer Shrek; packing them off to toddler yoga when they’d like to be at ballet reinforcing gender stereotypes. As for academic aspirations, check out any ‘up-and-coming’ area of London and witness the parents responsible for the local embourgeoisement elbowing their way into the best state schools.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from French embourgeoisement.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: embourgeoisement — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie
  • Galician: aburguesamento — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie
  • German: Verbürgerlichung — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie
  • Hungarian: polgárosodás — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie
  • Portuguese: aburguesamento — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie
  • Spanish: aburguesamiento — the adoption the characteristics of the bourgeoisie