Idealize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Idealization is a common psychological defense mechanism, often used to cope with relationships by amplifying positive traits.
• In romantic contexts, it can lead to unrealistic expectations, sometimes causing disappointment when reality doesn't match the ideal.
• Therapists often help individuals recognize their idealization tendencies to foster healthier relationships.

Literature

• Many authors, like Shakespeare, used idealization to explore themes of love, showcasing perfect characters that may not exist in reality.
• Romantic poets often idealized nature and human emotions, reflecting a longing for beauty and perfection in a flawed world.
• In modern fiction, characters may be idealized to highlight contrasts with their actual behavior or the imperfections of other characters.

Art

• Artists throughout history have idealized subjects, such as in classical sculptures where figures are depicted as perfectly formed.
• The Renaissance period celebrated the idealized human form, combining beauty and proportion to create lasting masterpieces.
• Contemporary art sometimes critiques the process of idealization, challenging societal norms surrounding beauty standards.

Pop Culture

• In movies, characters are often idealized heroes or heroines, embodying traits that audiences aspire to rather than present real flaws.
• Social media often promotes idealized lifestyles, where individuals share curated, perfect moments of their lives, leading to comparisons and pressures.
• Reality TV shows frequently play with the concept of idealization, creating characters that viewers may see as perfect or relatable, despite their exaggerated portrayal.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from 'ideal,' which is derived from the Latin word 'idealism,' meaning an idea that represents perfection.
• It first emerged in the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting a growing interest in concepts of perfection.
• The suffix '-ize' means to make or to treat in a specified way, so 'idealize' literally means to make something or someone ideal.

The word 'idealize' originated from the Latin word 'idealiter', meaning 'in an ideal manner'. It entered the English language in the late 18th century. The concept of idealizing has been prominent in various fields such as psychology, art, and literature, where individuals strive to create or perceive perfection beyond reality.

See also: ideal, idealism, idealist, idealistic, idealization, idealizing, ideally, idealness.

This word's position of #30,511 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 30508 nib
• 30509 flog
• 30510 antacid
• 30511 idealize
• 30512 sepal
• 30513 bequeathing
• 30514 devaluations
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