glamorize

/ˈɡlæməraɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡlæməraɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgla-mə-ˌrīz/ (ame, mw)

glamorize — verb

  • glamorizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • glamorizeshe / she / it
  • glamorizedpast simple
  • glamorizing-ing form

1. to portray something bad or unpleasant in a way that makes it seem attractive or

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to portray something bad or unpleasant in a way that makes it seem attractive or admirable, giving people a misleadingly positive impression of it

例句

Crime dramas often glamorize gang violence, making it seem exciting rather than destructive.

glamorize + [violence / crime / negative social issue]

Theo said the advertisement glamorized reckless spending by showing only happy shoppers and no bills.

passive critique: be criticized for glamorizing X

同義詞
  • romanticize

    very similar; romanticize emphasises idealistic perception, while glamorize focuses on surface attractiveness

  • sugarcoat

    more informal; suggests hiding unpleasant facts rather than making them attractive

  • whitewash

    strongly negative; implies covering up wrongdoing or flaws deliberately

反義詞
  • expose

    reveal the harsh reality rather than hiding it

  • condemn

    show something as bad rather than making it seem attractive

文法句型

glamorize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used critically to describe media portrayals of crime, violence, poverty, or unhealthy lifestyles. The subject is typically a film, advertisement, article, or social-media post.

常見錯誤

❌The movie glamorized the beautiful scenery.
✅The movie glamorized the violent conflict, making it seem heroic.
💡Sense 1 is for making something bad seem attractive, not for making something already good look better.

2. to change the appearance or image of a place, thing, or activity so that it look

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to change the appearance or image of a place, thing, or activity so that it looks more exciting, elegant, or sophisticated

例句

The developer hired a designer to glamorize the lobby with velvet sofas and gold-trimmed mirrors.

Olena spent the afternoon glamorizing her new apartment with fairy lights and fresh flowers.

glamorize + [place / room] with [decorative items]

同義詞
  • beautify

    broader; can apply to anything made more beautiful, not specifically glamorous

  • embellish

    add decorative details; can be physical or figurative

  • spruce up

    informal; making something neater and more attractive rather than glamorous

反義詞
  • spoil

    make something less attractive

  • uglify

    rare; make something ugly

文法句型

glamorize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense has no negative connotation — the change is presented as genuinely making something look better. Frequently applies to physical spaces, products, and staged photography.

常見錯誤

❌She glamorized her old sofa by hiding the stains under a throw blanket.' (sense 2, but the act of hiding flaws suggests sense 1).
✅She glamorized her old sofa with colourful new cushions and a soft throw.
💡Sense 2 involves genuine enhancement, not concealment.