Definition

To attribute a concrete or material existence to something that is abstract or non-physical.

Example

Philosophers often hypostatize concepts like justice and love, treating them as if they have a physical form.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was reading a philosophy book that mentioned how we often hypostatize abstract concepts.

That sounds interesting! What did it say about it?

It explained that people sometimes treat ideas as if they have physical existence.

Wow, that's a deep thought — I never considered it that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypostatize → It is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under) and "stasis" (from Greek "stasis", meaning standing or position). The word refers to the act of attributing a concrete reality to something abstract, as if it stands under a certain essence or existence.

Memory Tip

Think of something that stands 'under' ('hypo-') a certain essence or idea, which helps you remember that to hypostatize means to give concrete reality to an abstract concept.

Visually Confused Words