romanticizing
|ro-man-ti-ciz-ing|
/rəˈmæntɪsaɪz/
(romanticize)
idealize
Etymology
'romanticize' originates from English, formed in the 19th century from the adjective 'romantic' plus the verbalizing suffix '-ize', where 'romantic' ultimately derives from words meaning 'relating to romance/vernacular narrative'.
'romanticize' changed from the adjective 'romantic' (from French 'romantique' and Late Latin 'romanticus' related to 'romance') with the addition of English suffix '-ize' to create a verb meaning 'to make romantic or idealize'.
Initially related to 'romance' (stories in the Romance languages) and qualities associated with those stories (emotional, imaginative), but over time the verb form evolved to mean 'to idealize or glorify' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to describe or represent (something) in an idealized, overly positive, or sentimental way; to make something seem more attractive or romantic than it really is.
Many travel articles romanticize remote villages, ignoring everyday hardships.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
present participle or gerund form of 'romanticize'.
She is romanticizing their childhood memories, remembering only the good parts.
Last updated: 2025/11/06 09:02