glorification: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; common in academic, literary, and critical discourse.
Quick answer
What does “glorification” mean?
The act of describing or representing something as admirable, especially more so than is warranted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of describing or representing something as admirable, especially more so than is warranted.
The state of being raised to a high status; celebration; worship; often with a critical nuance of excessive or undeserved praise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and frequency are very similar. Slight preference for 'glorification of violence' in UK media analysis.
Connotations
Equally critical in both varieties when used in secular contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; perhaps marginally more common in US political rhetoric.
Grammar
How to Use “glorification” in a Sentence
glorification of [NOUN PHRASE][ADJECTIVE] glorificationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glorification” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The documentary was accused of the glorification of a dubious historical figure.
- There's a worrying glorification of hardship in some management literature.
American English
- The film was criticized for its glorification of mob violence.
- She rejected the glorification of overwork in startup culture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'the glorification of profit over ethics' (critical).
Academic
Common in cultural studies, history, media criticism (e.g., 'the glorification of empire in textbooks').
Everyday
Uncommon. Used in discussions of media, history, or politics (e.g., 'I'm tired of the glorification of busyness').
Technical
In theology: 'the glorification of the saints'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glorification”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glorification”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glorification”
- Using it as a direct positive synonym for 'celebration' without acknowledging its frequent critical nuance.
- Misspelling as 'glorifacation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often is in modern secular use. In religious contexts (e.g., 'the glorification of God'), it is positive. In critical discourse (media, politics, history), it usually implies excessive or undeserved praise.
'Celebration' is generally neutral or positive. 'Glorification' suggests a more intense, often uncritical or elevating praise, and frequently carries the speaker's disapproval of that intensity.
No, the verb form is 'to glorify'. 'Glorification' is the noun derived from that verb.
Yes, 'glorificatory' (formal and rare) and the more common participial adjective 'glorifying' (as in 'glorifying violence').
The act of describing or representing something as admirable, especially more so than is warranted.
Glorification is usually formal; common in academic, literary, and critical discourse. in register.
Glorification: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡlɔːrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡlɔːrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a glorification of ignorance (criticism of anti-intellectualism)”
- “rise to glorification (rare, formal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GLORI-FICATION: think of 'GLORY' being turned into an '-FICATION' (making) – the making of something into glory.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS ELEVATION / LIGHT ('exaltation', 'to glorify'); often CRITIQUE IS SEEING THROUGH GLITTER ('false glorification').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'glorification' MOST LIKELY to be used neutrally or positively?