What does idealizer mean?
An idealizer is a person who idealizes, meaning that they view a person, place, institution, or period as more perfect, admirable, or desirable than it actually is. The word usually carries a mildly critical connotation: an idealizer may neglect inconvenient realities in pursuit of an imagined better version of something. It differs from an idealist, who more commonly advocates a system of principles, and from a utopian, who is associated specifically with an idealized political or social vision. In literary criticism, the term may describe someone who romanticizes the past or treats artists as flawless figures. Although it can occasionally be used neutrally, idealizer is most useful when discussing the contrast between an attractive imagined ideal and actual conditions. Its wording also invites comparison with realist, making it especially effective in descriptions of a character's tendency to overlook complexity or defect.
nounA person who idealizes something, especially by regarding it as better or more perfect than it really is.
- A person who idealizes something or holds idealized views about it.
"Far from being a realist, she was an idealizer who could find no fault in the imperfect system."
"The novel portrays him as an idealizer of the rural past, unable to acknowledge the hardships of earlier generations."
"Her romanticism led critics to regard her as an idealizer of artists and their untainted genius."
The regular plural is idealizers; no special plural form is used.
"The discussion focused on the idealizers who romanticized early industrial life."
An idealizer does not merely admire a perfect world; they try to remake an imperfect one in its image.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does idealizer come from?
Idealizer is an English noun formed from ideal, the verb idealize, and the agent suffix -er. Idealize ultimately draws on ideal, which entered English from French idéal and Latin idealis, a word based on the Greek eidos, meaning form or appearance. The same underlying elements appear in idealist, idealism, and ideality.
How idealizer is actually used
The term is uncommon and often implies that someone perceives people or situations as more perfect or admirable than they are. It is normally more critical than complimentary.
Easily confused with idealizer
An idealizer is someone who idealizes a person, place, or practice, whereas an idealist more often advocates an ideal or principles.
An idealizer idealizes what something ought to be, while an ideologist bases ideas on a particular social, political, or philosophical doctrine.