immortalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "immortalize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is given lasting fame and remembered forever. For example: "The filmmaker's award-winning documentary immortalized the struggles of the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some oncogenes immortalize cells so that they divide indefinitely, whereas normal cells die after a limited number of generations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān (reigned 1628 58) to immortalize his wife Mumtāz Maḥal ("Chosen One of the Palace").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Niccolò Machiavelli would later immortalize this experience in a letter that described his own reading habits in ritualistic terms: Evenings I return home and enter my study; and at its entrance I take off my everyday clothes, full of mud and dust, and don royal and courtly garments; decorously reattired, I enter into the ancient sessions of ancient men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Four years later he married Marguerite Pouget, whom he was to immortalize 30 years later in a pastel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the other hand, even a company as deep-pocketed as Disney wouldn't be able to pay Unicode to immortalize Mickey, Goofy, and the rest of the crew as emojis.

Independent

Talking about his subject he told The Independent: "I think Kate is one of the most beautiful and elegant woman these days and through these series I wanted to immortalize her essence of femininity... I've made a selection of her most interesting looks: clean cuts and beautiful lines that have made her a true icon.

Independent

The authors concerned wished to demonstrate their own erudition and rhetorical technique as much as to immortalize their subjects; consequently, their books are important equally as stylistic documents and as historical sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ultimately, the cinema's ability to immortalize the beauty of the everyday challenged even the most outlandish contrivances of artists such as Keaton, for whom its documentary power was as much a reproach as it was a boon.

The New Yorker

Immortalize your English accent in George Mason University's online speech archive.

The New Yorker

There are many more places than writers to immortalize them, and other national literary figures to hail from the Schuylkill valley, such as Conrad Richter and Wallace Stevens, sublimated their experience of these gritty environs into a much hazier lyricism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

1. WARM-UP/DO-NOW: Students respond to the following prompt in their journals, written on the board prior to class: "If our school received a large donation to create a statue of a political leader whose ideas, thoughts, and/or actions inspire students, whom would you choose to 'immortalize' and why?" After a few minutes, encourage students to share their responses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immortalize", consider the medium through which the subject will be remembered (e.g. a statue, a book, a film) to add depth and precision to your writing. Choose a suitable medium to "immortalize" the subject for future generations.

Common error

Avoid using "immortalize" casually for short-lived fame. It implies a lasting legacy, not just temporary recognition. For short-lived fame, use words like "popularize" or "celebrate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immortalize" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the act of causing someone or something to be remembered or famous for a long time. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, like building monuments or creating works of art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immortalize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that signifies the act of making someone or something eternally memorable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias. While synonyms like "eternalize" and "commemorate" exist, "immortalize" carries a distinct nuance of lasting fame. When using the term, remember its implication of a lasting legacy rather than temporary recognition. Consider the medium used to preserve the memory to enhance clarity and impact. For British English, "immortalise" serves as a valid alternative spelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make immortal

Focuses on the action of causing something to become immortal, highlighting the transformation.

perpetuate the memory of

Emphasizes the act of ensuring that the memory of someone or something continues.

enshrine in memory

Suggests a sacred or highly respected form of remembrance.

eternalize

Similar to "immortalize", but emphasizes the aspect of making something last forever.

commemorate

Focuses on honoring and remembering an event or person, often through a ceremony or memorial.

memorialize

Implies creating a memorial to remember someone or something, often after their death or destruction.

immortalise

A variant spelling of "immortalize" that is commonly used in British English.

preserve for posterity

Highlights the act of saving something for future generations to remember.

make famous forever

Focuses on the aspect of achieving lasting fame and recognition.

ensure lasting recognition

Emphasizes the aspect of securing a long-term recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "immortalize" in a sentence?

You can use "immortalize" to describe the act of preserving someone or something in memory, ensuring they are remembered for a long time. For instance, "The monument was built to "immortalize" the fallen soldiers".

What are some synonyms for "immortalize"?

Alternatives to "immortalize" include "eternalize", "commemorate", "memorialize", and "perpetuate the memory of", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "immortalise" an acceptable alternative to "immortalize"?

Yes, "immortalise" is an acceptable alternative, particularly in British English. Both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, depending on your preferred spelling convention.

What is the difference between "memorialize" and "immortalize"?

"Memorialize" typically refers to creating a memorial for someone or something, often after death or destruction. "Immortalize", on the other hand, implies ensuring lasting fame and recognition, not necessarily related to death.