editorialize
C1/C2Formal, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
To express a personal opinion, especially on controversial issues, in a piece of writing or broadcast that should be objective, such as a news report.
To inject one's subjective viewpoint into a narrative or description, often in a way that is seen as inappropriate or biased. Can also mean to write an editorial for a newspaper.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a criticism of journalistic practice. The act of 'editorializing' implies a departure from neutral reporting. The less common meaning of 'to write an editorial' is usually context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is used in both varieties, but the journalistic culture surrounding it differs. In the UK, broadsheet journalism has a stronger tradition of separating news (fact) from comment (opinion).
Connotations
Mostly negative in both, implying bias or unprofessionalism in news reporting. In its literal sense ('to write an editorial'), it is neutral.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to frequent public discourse about media bias. The term itself is well-understood in professional UK contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] editorializes[Subject] editorializes about/on [Topic]It is editorializing to [Verb Phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in internal communications training: 'The market analysis should present data, not editorialize on management's decisions.'
Academic
Used in media studies, communication, and political science to critique sources or discuss journalistic ethics.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used by politically engaged individuals discussing media: 'I wish the news would just tell me what happened instead of editorializing.'
Technical
A specific term in journalism and media criticism denoting a breach of professional objectivity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The reporter was warned not to editorialise during the live broadcast from Downing Street.
- It's a documentary, not an opinion piece; there's no need to editorialise on the monarch's role.
American English
- The anchor was accused of editorializing when she described the bill as 'disastrous'.
- He tends to editorialize about climate policy even in straight news segments.
adverb
British English
- He spoke editorialisingly about the budget, which frustrated viewers seeking facts.
American English
- She argued editorializingly that the policy was flawed, blending news with opinion.
adjective
British English
- The report had an unacceptably editorialising tone.
- We aim for an editorialising-free news bulletin.
American English
- His editorializing comments were cut from the final article.
- The network was criticized for its editorializing coverage of the election.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Good journalists report the news; they don't editorialize.
- The article was informative but began to editorialize in the final paragraph.
- Critics argued that the documentary editorialized heavily, presenting a one-sided view of the conflict.
- The columnist's strength is her ability to editorialize compellingly, but she should not do so in her news reporting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an EDITOR writing an EDITORIAL full of OPINION. To EDITORIAL-IZE is to turn a factual report into a personal editorial.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEUTRALITY IS PURITY / BIAS IS A CONTAMINANT (e.g., 'The report was contaminated with editorializing').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate directly as 'редактировать' (to edit).
- The closest conceptual equivalent is 'высказывать своё мнение под видом объективного репортажа' or the noun 'комментарий вместо фактов'.
- Beware of false friends with 'редакционный' (editorial).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean simply 'to edit' (correct: 'edit').
- Confusing it with 'editorial' (the noun).
- Misspelling as 'editorialise' (UK variant is acceptable).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is it MOST appropriate to use the verb 'editorialize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, when referring to news reporting. However, it is neutral when referring to the act of writing a newspaper editorial ('He editorializes for The Times on Saturdays').
'Commentate' means to provide a commentary or description of an event as it happens, often in sports. It can be neutral. 'Editorialize' specifically means to insert subjective opinion where it doesn't belong, implying bias.
Yes, both 'editorialize' (mainly US) and 'editorialise' (mainly UK) are correct. The '-ize' spelling is also widely accepted in UK academic and publishing circles.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, 'Don't editorialize just give me the facts of the meeting,' or 'His history book editorializes about the causes of the war.' It retains its core meaning of inappropriately inserting opinion.