Sentimentilize

To sentimentalize means to deal with a subject, idea, or emotion in a way that is excessively sentimental, focusing on emotion over logic, and often exaggerating or idealizing the subject. It involves imbuing something with more feeling or emotion than is warranted by the reality of the situation. This can lead to a distorted or unrealistic view, often making something appear sweeter, more touching, or more tragic than it objectively is. It often involves a nostalgic view of the past and glossing over the negative aspects.

Sentimentilize meaning with examples

• The author, in an attempt to sell more copies, sentimentalized the historical account of the war, focusing on the heroic struggles and ignoring the brutal realities of the casualties, which drew criticism from historians. This altered version of history made the war seem more glorious than it was. The audience, in turn, could not grasp the true cost of the war.
• Critics accused the director of sentimentalizing the relationship between the characters, making it appear more romantic than the actual story suggested. The film opted to ignore the internal flaws that plagued the couple. Consequently, the romanticized narrative overshadowed the character's individual ambitions, making the ending less believable.
• The politician, in a bid to win votes, sentimentalized the concept of patriotism, focusing on the emotional aspects of national pride, but offering no clear plans. His audience was emotionally moved but failed to address complex political issues that were crucial to the nation's survival. This lack of a logical basis had no benefit to the electorate.
• Many commentators believe that some older works sentimentalize poverty and suffering, overlooking the harshness and injustice associated with such conditions. This romanticized version of struggling to survive made the concept seem tolerable and ignored the desperate measures to fight the issues. They therefore, failed to capture the reality of the situations.
• The novelist had a tendency to sentimentalize childhood memories, remembering the good times while excluding the struggles and complexities of growing up. Her autobiography focused on a nostalgic depiction of a simpler time. The book gave no indication of her early losses. Thus, the story was inaccurate, in some degree.