commercialization
UK[kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən]US[kəˌmɜːrʃələˈzeɪʃən]
n
The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
n
The process of developing a new product or method so that it can be sold to the public.
Morpheme Breakdown
commercial
ize
ation
commercial
of commerce
ize
make
ation
action/process
Etymology
The word 'commercialization' is built upon the core concept of 'commerce,' which originates from the Latin commercium, combining com- (together) and merx (merchandise). The suffix -ize transforms the adjective 'commercial' into the verb 'commercialize,' meaning "to make something into an object of trade." Finally, the addition of -ation nominalizes the verb, turning the action into the abstract process or result. Thus, the term logically charts the transformation of an idea, activity, or innovation into a system or product governed by market principles.
Analysis
Structure: commercial (of commerce) + ize (make) + ation (action/process)
- commercial: From Latin commercium (trade, commerce), via Old French. In this word, it functions as the adjectival base meaning "pertaining to buying and selling."
- ize: A verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, via Latin -izare. It means "to make, to cause to be, or to treat in a specific way."
- ation: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -ationem (via Old French -ation), indicating an action or process.
Examples
The commercialization of space travel is attracting significant private investment.
The university has a department dedicated to the commercialization of scientific research.
There is public concern about the commercialization of traditional holidays.