Spanish word

idealizar

Pronunciation

IPA/iðealiˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbidealize

Example

No debes idealizar a tu pareja.

You shouldn't idealize your partner.

Illustration for idealizar (idealize)

More examples

Muchas veces idealizar a alguien acaba en decepción.

Often idealizing someone ends in disappointment.

Core concept

A halo placed above a person while their flaws fade.

Common phrases

  • idealizar a alguien

    idealizing someone

  • idealizar una relación

    idealizing a relationship

  • idealizar el pasado

    idealizing the past

Similar words

sobrestimar: Overestimates the real value, skill, or importance of a person or thing.
idolatrar: Elevates a person to idol status, showing excessive admiration and unquestioning praise.
romantizar: Treats events or relationships as more romantically appealing than they truly are.

Definition in Spanish

Ver o presentar a una persona, idea u objeto como un modelo perfecto, exagerando sus virtudes y minimizando sus fallos.

Word origin

Formed from ideal plus the productive Spanish suffix -izar (related to Latin/Greek -izare/-izo), meaning 'to render ideal' as an action.

Usage tips

  • When the object is a person, Spanish normally uses the personal a (idealizar a alguien) which English speakers often forget.

Other meanings

  • beautifyverb
  • romanticizeverb

Opposites

  • desengañardisillusionverb

Related words

  • idealizaciónidealizationnoun
  • idealistaidealisticadjective
  • idealizadoidealizedadjective

Word lists with this word