What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idealizing
Example
She has a habit of idealizing her romantic partners, which often leads to disappointment. [idealizing: present participle]
Example
The author is known for idealizing the countryside in his novels. [idealizing: verb]
romanticize
Example
He tends to romanticize his childhood memories, forgetting the less pleasant aspects. [romanticize: verb]
Example
The movie romanticizes the idea of living in a small town, glossing over the challenges and limitations. [romanticizes: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Romanticize is more commonly used than idealizing in everyday language. Romanticize is often used to describe a nostalgic or sentimental view of the past or a particular time period, while idealizing is less common and refers to the tendency to see someone or something as perfect or without flaws.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between idealizing and romanticize?
Both idealizing and romanticizing are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversations or writing. However, idealizing may be more appropriate in academic or professional contexts where a neutral or objective tone is required.
