The spelling of the word "sentimentaliser" can be a little tricky, especially for non-native English speakers. It is spelled with an "s" instead of the more common "z" in the suffix -iser/-izer. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /sɛntɪmɛntəlaɪzə/. This means that the "s" sound is pronounced like in "see" and "sit", while "i" has a short "ih" sound like in "big" or "him". The stress is on the second syllable. "Sentimentaliser" means to make something more emotional or sentimental.
The term "sentimentaliser" is primarily understood as a verb that refers to the act of emphasizing or evoking sentimental or emotional feelings towards a particular subject, event, or concept. It involves imbuing something with sentimental qualities, often with the aim of evoking a sense of nostalgia, tenderness, or sympathy in the audience or viewer.
When used in the context of literature, art, or media, sentimentalising typically involves the deliberate manipulation of emotions and presenting them in an exaggerated or oversimplified manner. It often entails focusing on the emotional aspects of a narrative, while possibly neglecting or simplifying the more complex or realistic aspects of the subject matter at hand. This can be done through the use of sentimental themes, characters, or plotlines that aim to elicit a strong emotional response in readers, viewers, or listeners.
The term can also be used to describe someone who has a propensity for sentimentalising various aspects of their own life or the lives of others. Such individuals tend to overly emphasize and romanticize the emotional aspects of experiences, often neglecting the more rational or objective perspectives. This can result in the idealization or glorification of certain memories, relationships, or events, often disregarding any negative or challenging aspects that may exist. Overall, "sentimentaliser" implies the act of creating an overly emotional or sentimentalized perception of something, whether regarding art, media, or personal experiences.
The word sentimentaliser is derived from the noun sentiment which comes from the Old French word sentiment meaning feeling or opinion. It originated from the Latin word sentimentum which means way of thinking, opinion. The suffix -aliser is added to the noun sentiment to form the verb sentimentaliser. This suffix -aliser is derived from the French -aliser or -alizar which means to make into or to transform into. Therefore, sentimentaliser means to make or transform into sentimental.