ENGLISH
REFERENCE

normalized

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnɔɹməˌɫaɪzd// nor·mal·ized

adj. describing something that was once unusual or shocking but has now become accepted as normal. It is often used to talk about behaviors or social standards that have changed over time.

adj. referring to a state where a previously deviant or unconventional behavior, standard, or condition has been integrated into the social or cultural norm. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'seem'.


SIMPLE

Working from home has become normalized in many industries.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of public debate, the practice of flexible scheduling has been normalized across the corporate sector.

COMPLEX

Sociologists argue that certain aggressive behaviors in digital spaces have become normalized, leading to a shift in how younger generations perceive online etiquette and conflict resolution.

Synonyms
Usage

Often functions as a participial adjective following 'become', 'get', or 'seem'.

Pitfall

The society normalized to the change.The change became normalized in society.When used as an adjective to describe a state, it requires a linking verb; it is not an intransitive verb meaning 'to adapt'.

© 2026 English Reference