Valorize
What it means
To recognize or increase the worth of something.
Reach for it when describing an active effort to raise the cultural or perceived value of something
The exhibition will valorize crafts long dismissed as ordinary.
Words to choose between 6
| warm | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
-
warm
Fits when open appreciation is the desired tone
Careful Celebration can be temporary and ceremonial.
-
professional
Fits when public support advances a cause or practice
Careful Championing need not change how society values it.
-
professional
legitimize
Fits when acceptance as proper or credible is sought
Careful Legitimacy is not the same as positive worth.
-
formal
Fits when status or prominence is deliberately increased
Careful Elevation may create rank without genuine esteem.
-
formal
revalue
Fits when an earlier assessment needs reconsideration
Careful Revaluation can lower worth as well as raise it.
-
literary
Fits when respectful personal regard is central
Careful Esteem describes valuation rather than promoting it.
Opposites 3
- devalue
- denigrate
- dismiss
Common phrases 3
-
valorize care work
The policy aims to valorize care work without romanticizing low pay.
-
valorize local knowledge
The exhibition will valorize local knowledge through named contributors.
-
culturally valorize
Museums can culturally valorize crafts once excluded from formal collections.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Valorize is specialized language in cultural theory and economics; celebrate or value may serve a general audience better.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Updated