Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'idealize'

English Word: idealize

Key Russian Translations:

• идеализировать /ɪ.dʲi.ə.lʲi.zʲi.rə.vatʲ/ - [Formal, Used in discussions of perceptions or representations]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, psychological, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic verbs)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires understanding of verb conjugations and abstract concepts in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

идеализировать: /ɪ.dʲi.ə.lʲi.zʲi.rə.vatʲ/

Note on идеализировать: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("zi"), which can be tricky for learners due to the consonant clusters and palatalization common in Russian verbs.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To regard or represent something as perfect or better than it actually is.

Translation(s) & Context:

• идеализировать - Used in formal or reflective contexts, such as literature, psychology, or personal discussions, to describe over-idealization of people, ideas, or situations.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда идеализирует свою молодость, забывая о трудностях.

  He always idealizes his youth, forgetting about the hardships.

• В фильме автор идеализирует сельскую жизнь, делая её идеальной.

  In the film, the author idealizes rural life, making it seem perfect.

• Не стоит идеализировать отношения; они требуют работы.

  Don't idealize relationships; they require effort.

• Писатель часто идеализирует героев, чтобы вдохновить читателей.

  The writer often idealizes characters to inspire readers.

• Молодые люди склонны идеализировать знаменитостей в социальных сетях.

  Young people tend to idealize celebrities on social media.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Идеализировать is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for imperfective aspect. It is imperfective, and its perfective counterpart is "идеализировать" itself in some contexts, but more commonly paired with perfective forms like "сделать идеальным." Below is a table outlining key inflections for the present tense:

Note: This verb does not have irregular forms, but aspect changes (e.g., to perfective) may require learning related verbs like "идеализировать" in perfective contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преувеличивать (to exaggerate; often used for similar overstatement but with a connotation of falsity)
  • романтизировать (to romanticize; implies adding emotional idealization)
• Antonyms:
  • разочаровываться (to become disappointed; highlights the opposite of idealization)
  • реализовывать (to realize or make real; contrasts by focusing on practical truth)

Related Phrases:

• идеализированный образ - An idealized image (Refers to a perfect representation in art or media)
• идеализировать реальность - To idealize reality (Used in philosophical discussions to critique over-optimism)
• не идеализировать прошлое - Not to idealize the past (Common in self-reflection or historical analysis)

Usage Notes:

Идеализировать directly corresponds to "idealize" in English, emphasizing the act of portraying something as flawless. It is typically used in formal or introspective contexts, such as literature, psychology, or personal essays, and carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, implying a distortion of reality. When choosing between synonyms like преувеличивать, opt for идеализировать if the focus is on emotional or perceptual perfection rather than outright exaggeration. Grammatically, ensure correct verb conjugation based on subject and tense, as Russian verbs change form extensively.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the infinitive form "идеализировать" in places where a conjugated form is needed, e.g., saying "Я идеализировать" instead of "Я идеализирую." Correct: "Я идеализирую свои воспоминания" (I idealize my memories). Explanation: Russian verbs must agree with the subject in person and number.

• Error: Confusing it with its antonym, e.g., using "разочаровываться" when meaning to idealize. Correct: Stick to "идеализировать" for positive over-idealization. Explanation: These verbs represent opposite concepts, so context is key to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of idealization often appears in literature and philosophy, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where characters idealize love or society. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to juxtapose ideals with harsh realities, such as in the Russian soul's romanticism versus pragmatism, helping learners understand why such verbs are prevalent in introspective Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• идеал (ideal)
• романтика (romance)
• иллюзия (illusion)