Romanticized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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romanticized

[rษ™หˆmรฆntษชหŒsaษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in literature

To portray or describe something in an idealized or unrealistic manner, especially in a romantic or sentimental way. It often involves exaggerating the positive aspects and downplaying the negative ones.

Synonyms

exaggerate, glorify, idealize.

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Word Description / Examples
romanticized

Used when describing something in a way that makes it seem more appealing or perfect than it actually is, often in a nostalgic or sentimental manner.

  • Historical novels often romanticized the past
  • The artist romanticized the countryside in his paintings
idealize

Used when portraying something or someone as perfect or better than in reality, often ignoring flaws or complexities.

  • Young lovers often idealize their partners
  • The media tends to idealize celebrities
glorify

Used when making something or someone seem more special, exciting, or important, often with an implication that it is undeserved.

  • The movie glorified gangsters and their lifestyle
  • This book tends to glorify the actions of the main character
exaggerate

Used when making something seem larger, more important, or more significant than it actually is, often not based on fact.

  • He tends to exaggerate his achievements
  • The dangers of the journey were exaggerated in the report

Examples of usage

  • She romanticized their relationship in her novel, making it seem like a fairytale.
  • He romanticized the idea of living in a small cottage by the lake, ignoring the practical difficulties.
  • The author romanticized the past, painting a picture of a simpler and more idyllic time.
  • The film industry tends to romanticize love, leading to unrealistic expectations.
  • In her poems, she often romanticizes nature, portraying it as a beautiful and harmonious force.
Context #2 | Verb

in conversation

To make something seem more appealing or attractive than it really is, often by focusing on the positive aspects and ignoring the negative ones. It can involve creating a romanticized version of reality.

Synonyms

beautify, embellish, romance.

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Word Description / Examples
romanticized

Idealize something, often by presenting it in a more attractive or perfect way than it really is, commonly used in literature, movies, or storytelling.

  • 'The novel romanticized the life of the explorers, ignoring their hardships
  • '
beautify

Make something look more beautiful, often by decorating or improving its appearance. Used in contexts related to physical appearance or environment.

  • 'They decided to beautify the park by planting more flowers
  • '
embellish

Add decorative details or fictitious elements to something, often to make a story or situation seem more interesting or exciting. Can have a somewhat negative connotation if it implies adding untrue details.

  • 'He likes to embellish his tales to make them more entertaining
  • '
romance

Add an element of love or adventure to a story, often in an unrealistic or overly dramatic manner. Commonly used in writing or speech to evoke strong and idealistic emotions.

  • 'The director decided to romance the plot to attract more viewers
  • '

Examples of usage

  • She romanticized the idea of working as a freelance writer, glossing over the financial instability.
  • He romanticized the concept of travel, emphasizing the adventures and excitement while ignoring the challenges.
  • Don't romanticize the past; remember that there were difficulties and struggles as well.
  • Many people romanticize the idea of fame, not realizing the pressures and sacrifices that come with it.
  • It's easy to romanticize a new relationship, but remember that it takes effort and compromise.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic novels, such as those by Jane Austen, romanticize social class and relationships in ways that resonate with readers.
  • Romanticized narratives often lead characters to idealistic or heroic actions that may not reflect real life.
  • Contemporary authors sometimes critique or subvert romanticized ideals to explore deeper truths about society.

Film and Media

  • Hollywood often romanticizes historical events, portraying them with glamour and emotional depth rather than accuracy.
  • Romantic comedies frequently depict love and relationships in an exaggerated manner, influencing public perceptions of romance.
  • Documentaries about nature can romanticize the wilderness, showcasing its beauty while overlooking dangers.

Psychology

  • People often romanticize past experiences to cope with negative feelings, creating a more favorable version of their memories.
  • This tendency can affect relationships by leading individuals to idealize partners or experiences inaccurately.
  • Psychologists suggest that this behavior can provide comfort but may also hinder realistic expectations in life.

Art

  • In art, romanticized depictions emphasize beauty and emotion, often using vibrant colors and dramatic settings.
  • Romanticism as an art movement focused on individual experience and the sublime power of nature and humanity.
  • Artists like Caspar David Friedrich depicted landscapes in ways that highlighted mood and emotion over realistic representation.

Origin of 'romanticized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'romantic', which has roots in medieval stories that emphasized chivalry and adventure.
  • It dates back to the late 18th century, during the Romantic movement, where people celebrated emotions and nature.
  • Originally, it signified literature and art that portrayed love, beauty, and heroic tales in an exaggerated way.

The word 'romanticize' is derived from the noun 'romantic', which originally referred to a literary genre characterized by a focus on emotion, imagination, and nature. The verb form 'romanticize' emerged in the 19th century, coinciding with the Romantic movement in art and literature. It gained popularity in the context of idealizing love, nature, and life experiences. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass the act of portraying something in an overly positive or sentimental light, often overlooking the complexities of reality.


See also: romancing, romantic, romanticism, romanticize.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,936, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.