classicize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “classicize” mean?
To make something conform to classical style, principles, or models, especially those of ancient Greece or Rome.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something conform to classical style, principles, or models, especially those of ancient Greece or Rome.
To give something a timeless, authoritative, or refined quality by aligning it with established, respected standards.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling 'classicise' is the standard British form, while 'classicize' is standard American.
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, with slightly higher occurrence in British academic texts on classical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “classicize” in a Sentence
[Subject] classicizes [Object] (e.g., The architect classicized the facade.)[Object] is classicized by [Agent] (e.g., The play was classicized by the director.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “classicize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The 18th-century poet sought to classicise the rough medieval ballads.
- Post-war architects often classicised their designs to evoke stability.
American English
- The director classicized the script by adding references to Greek tragedy.
- Scholars debate whether we should classicize modern political terminology.
adverb
British English
- The facade was designed classicisingly, with strict Doric columns.
- He writes classicisingly, imitating Ciceronian periods.
American English
- The building was classicizingly ornate, filled with pediments and friezes.
- She argued classicizingly for a return to traditional forms.
adjective
British English
- The classicising tendencies of the period are evident in the portico.
- He had a classicised vision for the urban renewal project.
American English
- The classicizing impulse in her work comes from a deep study of Roman art.
- They rejected the classicizing approach in favor of something more avant-garde.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history, architecture, classical studies, and literary criticism to describe stylistic adaptation.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used as a specific term in architectural and artistic analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “classicize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “classicize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “classicize”
- Using it to mean 'to become a classic' (correct: 'to become classic' or 'to be canonized').
- Confusing it with 'classify'.
- Using it in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic and artistic discussions about style.
'Classicize' means to make something classical in style. 'Classify' means to arrange things into categories. They are completely different words.
Yes, though less commonly. It can be used for literature, music, language, or even thought, whenever something is deliberately modelled on classical forms or principles.
The most common noun is 'classicization' (or 'classicisation' in UK spelling). 'Classicism' is a related but broader term for the general admiration of classical style.
To make something conform to classical style, principles, or models, especially those of ancient Greece or Rome.
Classicize is usually formal, academic in register.
Classicize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklasɪsʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæsəˌsaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLASSIC' + 'IZE' = to make something into a classic.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS CLASSICAL FORM (implying that making something classical purifies or perfects it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'to classicize' most appropriately used?