romanticize

[ roh-man-tuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ro·man·ti·cized, ro·man·ti·ciz·ing.

1. to make romantic; invest with a romantic character:

   Many people romanticize the role of an editor.

verb (used without object)

, ro·man·ti·cized, ro·man·ti·ciz·ing.

1. to hold romantic notions, ideas, etc.

romanticize

/ rəʊˈmæntɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. intr to think or act in a romantic way
2. tr to interpret according to romantic precepts
3. to make or become romantic, as in style

Derived Forms

• roˌmanticiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• ro·manti·ci·zation noun
• over·ro·manti·cize verb overromanticized overromanticizing
• unro·manti·cized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of romanticize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; romantic + -ize

Example Sentences

It's easy to romanticize the lives we see on TV.

From Salon

Ribbons are easy to romanticize, especially as we exit Brat Summer, where Charli XCX’s “Everything Is Romantic” has served as the sonic partner to the resurgence of ballet flats, puffy skirts and, yes, ribbons.

From Los Angeles Times

“I couldn’t romanticize her or make her a hero,” Vergara says.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not necessarily putting a bow on it or trying to romanticize a delinquency or dysfunction. Instead, I’m just putting out an image saying, ‘This is reality, and it’s not necessarily good or bad,’” said Escoto.

From Los Angeles Times

But we romanticize the BFF as the goal – to find your person – and that might not be realistic.

From Slate

Related Words

• glamorize
• idealize
• sentimentalize