Romanticize

To romanticize is to idealize or present something in a way that makes it seem better, more exciting, or more appealing than it really is, often by focusing on the positive aspects and ignoring the negative ones. It involves imbuing a subject, experience, or person with a heightened sense of beauty, adventure, or emotional depth, frequently driven by nostalgia, wishful thinking, or a desire to escape reality. This process can lead to a distorted perception, clouding objective judgment and potentially resulting in disappointment or disillusionment when the idealized reality clashes with the actual one.

Romanticize meaning with examples

• The old couple, reflecting on their youth, tended to romanticize their early struggles, remembering only the exciting adventures and overlooking the hardships they faced. They created a nostalgic narrative.
• Many people romanticize the idea of living in a remote cabin, imagining a life of quiet contemplation and connection with nature, without fully considering the isolation and practical challenges involved.
• Historical novels sometimes romanticize past eras, portraying them as more glamorous and noble than they likely were, omitting the widespread poverty and social injustices of the time.
• She had a tendency to romanticize her ex-boyfriend, focusing only on the good times and ignoring his flaws, which led her to believe a reunion might be desirable and possible.
• Young travelers often romanticize the backpacking lifestyle, picturing themselves discovering exotic locations and making lifelong friends, while downplaying the physical exhaustion and unexpected difficulties of the journey.