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Glite Dictionary
to mythicize

to mythicize

9.9
To make someone or something seem larger and more special than they really were
  • verb
  • /ˈmɪθɪˌsaɪz/
translation icon : mitificar
  • They mythicized them as the Minihuenes, but they were a real population of Micronesians.

Examples

  • Historians often mythicize events from the past, emphasizing their significance in a way that elevates them to legendary status.

  • The film mythicizes the history of the ancient warriors, turning their real sacrifices into legendary tales.

  • In her novel, she mythicizes the struggles of her ancestors, portraying them as heroic figures in a grand saga.

Synonyms

to romanticize
vsto mythicize
  • US
23 6.7

Make something seem more attractive and ideal than it really is

gives legendary or symbolic meaning rather than sentimental appeal
to idealize
vsto mythicize
14 5.8

To think someone or something is more perfect than they really are

focuses on legendary or storylike qualities rather than simple perfection
to glamorize
vsto mythicize
  • US
12 5.8

To make someone or something look more attractive and exciting than they really are

adds legendary or storylike aura rather than mere surface attractiveness
to mythologize
vsto mythicize
3 7.7

To say something was a legend or better than it really was by ignoring faults

focuses on giving legendary status rather than describing literal truth
to mythify
vsto mythicize
8.9

To make someone seem like a hero by praising them too much

treats things as legendary or symbolic rather than neutral fact
to supernaturalize
vsto mythicize
9.9

Give a person or thing powers beyond what is normal

adds legendary or symbolic meaning rather than literal magic or power
to apotheosize
vsto mythicize
  • Literature
9.9

To make someone seem like a god or without faults

gives legendary or symbolic traits rather than claiming divine status
to heroize
vsto mythicize
7.9

To make someone seem very brave and admired

adds legendary or symbolic layers beyond mere hero praise

Antonyms

to demystify
7 5.1

To make something easier to understand by removing mystery or confusion

How Mythical

to deify
7 8.4
to mythicize
9.9
to describe
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

mythicize infinitive
mythicized past
mythicized past participle
mythicizing present participle
mythicizes third person singular

Morphology

mythicize = mythic (transparent) = myth + ic + ize

Formed from 'myth' -> 'mythic' (clear adjective formation) then verb-forming '-ize' to mean 'to make or treat as myth', so the derivation and meaning are directly predictable.

Etymology

The word mythicize comes from myth ('old story') and the ending -ize ('to make'). So to mythicize something is to make it into a myth or treat it like a legend.