Romanticizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used when someone describes something in an overly positive or sentimental way, giving it a dreamy quality.

• She is always romanticizing life in the countryside, ignoring the many difficulties.
• The novel romanticizes the simplicity of village life, making it seem almost magical.

Used when someone represents something as perfect or better than reality. It can be positive in tone but sometimes may suggest a lack of realism.

• People often idealize their childhood memories, forgetting any bad experiences.
• She idealizes her favorite celebrity, ignoring their flaws.

Often used when someone makes something seem more admirable or wonderful than it is, usually to praise or honor it. This can sometimes have a negative undertone if it seems insincere.

• The film glorifies the bravery of soldiers during the war.
• Critics argue that the book glorifies violence and should be more nuanced.

Used when someone makes something seem bigger, better, or worse than it really is. It often has a negative connotation.

• He tends to exaggerate his achievements, making them sound more impressive than they actually are.
• Don't believe her; she has a habit of exaggerating stories to grab attention.

You use 'romanticizing' when talking about making something seem more attractive or idealistic than it really is, often with a focus on positive emotions or elements. This can sometimes result in an unrealistic portrayal.

• She is romanticizing life in the city, imagining it as a place of endless excitement and opportunity.
• Many novels romanticize the lives of soldiers, often ignoring the harsh realities of war.

Use 'glorify' when you want to talk about praising or portraying something in an excessively positive light. This word often carries a suggestion of admiration or reverence, but it can also be negative if it involves overlooking flaws.

• The movie tends to glorify the lives of gangsters, making their lifestyle seem more appealing than it truly is.
• He wrote a book that glorifies the achievements of the historical figure, ignoring many of their shortcomings.

Use 'exaggerate' when talking about making something seem larger, greater, or more intense than it actually is. This can have a negative connotation, as it often implies dishonesty or a lack of accuracy.

• He tends to exaggerate his achievements during job interviews.
• The fisherman exaggerated the size of his catch, claiming it was twice its actual size.

Use 'beautify' when referring to physically making something more attractive or pleasant. This typically has a positive connotation and is often used in the context of physical appearance or environments.

• They decided to beautify the park with new flowers and benches.
• She loves to beautify her home with elegant furniture and decorations.