idealize

[ ahy-dee-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, i·de·al·ized, i·de·al·iz·ing.

1. to make ideal; represent in an ideal form or character; exalt to an ideal perfection or excellence.

verb (used without object)

, i·de·al·ized, i·de·al·iz·ing.

1. to represent something in an ideal form.

idealize

/ aɪˈdɪəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to consider or represent (something) as ideal
2. tr to portray as ideal; glorify
3. intr to form an ideal or ideals

Derived Forms

• iˈdealˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• i·deal·izer noun
• over·i·deal·ize verb overidealized overidealizing
• uni·deal·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of idealize¹

First recorded in 1780–90; ideal + -ize

Example Sentences

Despite being aware that I was prone to cognitive biases, I still idealized Taiwan, ignoring the unbearably hot summers and the concrete buildings stained from countless rainstorms.

From MIT Technology Review

Looking back at the fevered pace of our footprints over the past 175 years, we tend to idealize the modesty of theirs.

From MIT Technology Review

It’s part of the function of a very active imagination, to sort of idealize your world and to think yourself into this romance.

From Freakonomics

Like many young girls, Flores used to idealize a thinner body.

From The Daily Beast

Take note of the characteristics which are peculiar to your model, and use them; do not change them nor idealize them.

From Project Gutenberg

Once settled on the new land, however, immigrants inevitably remember and idealize the home they have left.

From Project Gutenberg

When Dora is married he will idealize her, and assure himself that her marriage is the tragedy of both their lives.

From Project Gutenberg

Love is their chief motive,they either idealize or degrade it,and of the love we women long for most, they have no conception.

From Project Gutenberg

The bubble of her imagining of Lawson was pricked for the moment by it; it is hard to idealize what another despises.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glorify