Glamorize: meaning, definitions and examples

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glamorize

 

[ˈɡlæməraɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

fashion

To make something or someone seem more attractive or exciting, especially in a way that is not true or realistic.

Synonyms

beautify, embellish, enhance, idealize.

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Word Description / Examples
glamorize

Use when portraying something as more attractive, exciting, or appealing than it really is, often in a superficial or misleading way. Can have a negative connotation.

  • Movies often glamorize the life of a gangster, ignoring the negative aspects.
  • The magazine glamorized the celebrity lifestyle, making it look perfect and effortless.
embellish

Use when adding decorative details or features to something, sometimes in a way that makes it seem better or more interesting than it is. Can be used for both physical objects and stories.

  • She likes to embellish her clothes with intricate embroidery.
  • He has a habit of embellishing his stories to make them sound more impressive.
beautify

Use when making something visually more attractive, usually through decoration or improvements.

  • They worked hard to beautify the garden for the spring festival.
  • The city's new project aims to beautify public spaces with art and greenery.
enhance

Use when improving or making something more effective, attractive, or valuable.

  • The new features enhance the overall performance of the software.
  • Adding spices can enhance the flavor of the dish.
idealize

Use when representing something as perfect or better than in reality, often ignoring its flaws. Tends to have a naive or unrealistic connotation.

  • It's common for teenagers to idealize their favorite movie stars.
  • She often idealized her childhood memories, forgetting the difficulties she faced.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like she needed to glamorize her life on social media.
  • The magazine covers always glamorize the celebrities' lives.
  • The movie industry tends to glamorize certain aspects of reality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'glamorize' combines 'glamour', which has roots in the Scots word 'glamour' meaning 'magic' or 'enchantment', and the suffix '-ize', indicating a process.
  • Glamour as a concept originally referred to a sense of magic and spell, later evolving to describe beauty and elegance in the 19th century.

Pop Culture

  • In film and media, glamorization often highlights luxury and success, influencing how people perceive wealth and fame.
  • Music videos frequently glamorize lifestyles that emphasize opulence and allure, attracting audiences with captivating visuals.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that glamorizing certain lifestyles can lead to unhealthy comparisons, affecting self-esteem and mental health.
  • The glamorization of fast fashion encourages consumerism and creates unrealistic standards for beauty and style.

Literature

  • Classic literature often critiques glamorization, showing characters who fall prey to the embellished lives portrayed in society.
  • Modern novels explore the contrast between glamorous representations of life and the harsh realities of the characters’ experiences.

Advertising

  • Advertisers frequently glamorize products to enhance their appeal, showcasing them in idealized settings or with famous personalities.
  • The glamorization in marketing plays a pivotal role in influencing trends and consumer choices, particularly in fashion and beauty industries.

Translations

Translations of the word "glamorize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 glamourizar

🇮🇳 ग्लैमराइज़

🇩🇪 glamourisieren

🇮🇩 mengglamor

🇺🇦 гламуризувати

🇵🇱 glamouryzować

🇯🇵 魅力的にする

🇫🇷 glamouriser

🇪🇸 glamorizar

🇹🇷 cazibeli hale getirmek

🇰🇷 매력적으로 만들다

🇸🇦 تجميل

🇨🇿 glamorovat

🇸🇰 glamourizovať

🇨🇳 使富有魅力

🇸🇮 glamurizirati

🇮🇸 glamúra

🇰🇿 гламурлау

🇬🇪 გლამურიზაცია

🇦🇿 glamurlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 glamorizar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,695, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.