1
Core action
Represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
Example
The memoir tends to idealize the author's childhood.
idealize
/aɪˈdiːəlaɪz/ · eye-DEE-uh-lyzeverb
Represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
Use idealize to express this relationship precisely: represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
What idealize Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Early paintings idealized rural life by omitting hardship.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Later biographies no longer idealize the ruler as an infallible reformer.
Use idealize Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The memoir tends to idealize the author's childhood.
Early paintings idealized rural life by omitting hardship.
Later biographies no longer idealize the ruler as an infallible reformer.
Precision Matters
Idealize overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
idealize
vs.Means represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
illusory
Means not real or based on a misleading appearance.
idealize
vs.Means represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
quixotic
Means extremely idealistic in a way that is unrealistic or impractical.
idealize
vs.Means represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
at face value
Means according only to the apparent or literal meaning, without deeper examination.
idealize
vs.Means represent or imagine someone or something as better, simpler, or more perfect than reality.
appraise
Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.
Test idealize in Context
The film presents the past as better and more perfect than it actually was.
1
By describing the era as entirely peaceful, the film appears to ___ a past marked by frequent conflict.