idolize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'idolize' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to admire or love someone or something to an excessive or extreme extent. Example: She idolizes her favorite singer and has all of their merchandise and attends every concert they have.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the early 1980s Morceli came to idolize Said Aouita, a Moroccan who won the gold medal in the 5,000 metres in the 1984 Olympic Games.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recording success eluded them, however, until the New York-based Sue label released a series of singles—"A Fool in Love" (1960), "I Idolize You" (1960), and "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" (1961)—that won them a national following.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Miller on the young players surrounding Kobe: "All of these guys idolize Kobe.

Independent

Fans idolize these personalities, relish and mimic real or imaginary details of their lives, and often form clubs or societies to share their fascination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After his rookie tour on patrol, Perez was assigned to a special narcotics unit, where he teamed up with a veteran cop whom he came to idolize, David Mack.

The New Yorker

His single mother, Mum (Zainab Jah), was widowed early and wants to move on, into life, while Colin continues to idolize his late father, wonderfully played by Malik Yoba (who doubles as Mum's lover, Trevor).

The New Yorker

I cannot idolize anyone who opposes coffee (especially if the objection is that it erodes great civilizations; had the man not heard of the Enlightenment?), but Thoreau never met an appetite too innocuous to denounce.

The New Yorker

AMY DAVIDSON: You write that, for a Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia attracts an unusual number of people who despise him or idolize him.

The New Yorker

"There's an innate tendency among the élite to idolize men who make a lot of money," Negrych said.

The New Yorker

They Idolize these players, who in turn Idolize Money.

The New Yorker

Because he's cheeky — that is, he's cool, he's handsome, and he tries to escape three times — his fellow-inmates idolize him, while his brutal overseer (Nick Paglino) has it in for him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "idolize", consider the degree of admiration you wish to convey. While it can express strong admiration, it can also imply a lack of critical perspective or excessive devotion.

Common error

Avoid using "idolize" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "admire" or "respect" may be more appropriate. "Idolize" often carries a connotation of excessive admiration that might not be suitable for formal tones.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "idolize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of admiring or loving someone to an excessive degree. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to show profound admiration for figures like athletes or celebrities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idolize" is a grammatically correct verb used to express a strong sense of admiration or reverence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the intensity of admiration you intend to convey, as "idolize" implies a very high level of respect, potentially to an excessive degree. For formal contexts, using "admire" or "respect" might be more appropriate. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application across various domains, showcasing its role in expressing profound appreciation for individuals or entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hero-worship

Expresses the act of idolizing to an extreme level, treating someone like a hero.

look up to

Focuses more on admiration and respect as a role model, rather than extreme adoration.

admire greatly

Emphasizes strong positive regard and appreciation for someone's qualities.

hold in high esteem

Indicates a strong sense of respect and admiration for someone's abilities or character.

revere

Implies a deep respect and honor, often associated with religious or historical figures.

think the world of

Expresses a high degree of fondness and admiration.

worship

Suggests an extreme level of devotion and admiration, similar to religious worship.

lionize

Means to treat someone as a celebrity or very important person.

deify

Elevates someone to a godlike status in admiration.

venerate

Implies a formal respect, often used in historical or cultural contexts.

FAQs

How to use "idolize" in a sentence?

You can use "idolize" to express deep admiration for someone, for example: "Many young athletes "idolize professional players"". It indicates a strong level of respect and admiration.

What can I say instead of "idolize"?

You can use alternatives like "admire greatly", "look up to", or "revere" depending on the context and the degree of admiration you want to express.

Which is correct, "idolize" or "admire"?

Both "idolize" and "admire" are correct, but they convey different levels of admiration. "Idolize" suggests a much stronger, almost worshipful admiration, while "admire" is more moderate. Choose the word that best fits the intensity of your feeling.

What's the difference between "idolize" and "hero-worship"?

"Idolize" means to admire someone greatly, while "hero-worship" implies an even more intense admiration, often to the point of blindly accepting everything about the person. Hero-worship suggests a more uncritical and devoted admiration.