Words / C2

LEYE-uh-nyz/ˈlaɪənaɪz/

To lionise (US lionize) is to treat someone as a celebrity: lionise a researcher, lionised by the press. Celebrate is everyday; idolise is stronger worship. A lion is the animal; the metaphor is society’s “lion” of the season. Do not lionise a first paper that has not been replicated.

Meaning

To treat someone as a celebrity (British spelling).

Examples

• “The press lionised a first paper and ignored the failed replication.”
• “The weekend supplements lionised a first author and skipped the failed replication.”
• “Idolise is worship; lionise is fashionable fame. British spelling: lionise. The animal is not the exam point.”

Good to know

Treat as a star (British -ise). US: lionize. Everyday: celebrate. Stronger: idolise. Replication still required.

Near in meaning

celebrate

New