idealize
verbUK /aɪˈdɪəlaɪz/ · CA, US /aɪˈdiəˌlaɪz/
Etymology From ideal + -ize. Compare French idéaliser.
1
To regard something as ideal.
2
To conceive or form an ideal.
- People tell me that I wouldn't be so anxious for a lover if I knew the kinds of problems which such a relationship brings, to which I reply that, yes, perhaps I am idealizing somewhat, but basically I know that people aren't plastic, and that where there are human beings there are problems, and, all the same, I think it can be worth it in the long run if there is honesty on both sides.1975 December 20, Alan Belkin, “On Relationships”, in Gay Community News, volume 3, number 25, page 5:
- Derived terms
- idealizable, idealization, idealized, idealizer, overidealize, unidealize
- Related terms
- ideate