Definition

To act in a way that shows excessive emotion or nostalgia.

Example

He tends to sentimentalize every memory from his childhood.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Sometimes I feel like I tend to sentimentalize everything in my life.

I get that; it's easy to do when you care a lot.

Yeah, but I wonder if it makes me overlook the present.

It might, but a little sentimentality can be nice too!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To treat something in a way that emphasizes emotions or feelings, often in a way that may seem excessive or overly emotional.

Example

She tends to sentimentalize her childhood memories, making them seem more perfect than they really were.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Do you ever sentimentalize old photographs?

Sometimes! They really bring back memories.

I find it hard not to sentimentalize moments from my childhood.

Root Explanation

Sentimentalize → It is formed from "sentiment" (from French *sentiment*, meaning feeling or emotion) and "-ize" (a suffix meaning to make or to become). The word "sentimentalize" means to make something sentimental or to imbue it with emotion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sentiment' as a feeling and remember that 'sentimentalize' means to make something filled with feelings.

Visually Confused Words