English Reference
Verb

idealized

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /aɪˈdiəˌɫaɪzd/ ide·al·ized UK spelling idealised

v.to imagine someone or something as being perfect or better than they really are. You use this when you make a person or situation sound too good to be true.

v.to represent or describe someone or something in an unrealistic or overly positive way. Often involves a mental image of perfection that does not reflect the actual reality.


SIMPLE

He idealized his first love and forgot all the problems.

CONTEXTUAL

Many young people idealize their future careers, not realizing the long hours and stress involved in the job.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's character is heavily idealized by the author, serving as a moral compass that contrasts sharply with the flawed, pragmatic world around him.

This is an idealized version of reality in which individuals are not assumed to be cognitively biased.

Phys.org· 5 Sept 2026

Ed described them as “bodies to grow into.” The figures aren’t necessarily idealized forms though.

JSTOR Daily· 6 May 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated