Mundanized

To mundanize means to make something ordinary, commonplace, or secular; to strip away any sense of the extraordinary, spiritual, or special. It involves bringing something down to the level of the everyday, often resulting in a loss of wonder, reverence, or uniqueness. This process can apply to concepts, experiences, objects, or even people. It suggests a shift from the realm of the exceptional to the realm of the usual, sometimes with negative connotations of a loss of value or meaning. The impact of mundanization can be felt culturally, socially, and personally. The word implies a transformation, a making of the sacred ordinary, turning the sublime to the typical.

Mundanized meaning with examples

• The introduction of mass-produced art severely mundanized the appreciation for craftsmanship. Previously, only the wealthy possessed unique pieces but suddenly art became accessible to the masses, leading to the loss of its special prestige. People began appreciating the mundane more than the ornate, making beautiful artistry something of the past.
• The rapid spread of social media has mundanized our interactions, flattening experiences into easily digestible posts. Moments of genuine connection are often replaced by carefully curated digital representations, causing everything to blend into a continuous feed, lacking the depth and richness of face to face conversations.
• As technology advanced, the process of travel became incredibly easier. However, it simultaneously mundanized the experience of exploration. What was once a significant and adventurous journey became a routine undertaking, stripped of its inherent mystique and wonder, replacing the adventure with something of practicality.
• Over time, the once-sacred rituals of a culture can be mundanized by repeated performance and a weakening of their original spiritual context. The rituals, once imbued with deep meaning, are transformed into rote actions devoid of emotional significance. This change can lead to a sense of loss among those aware of the loss.