Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hypostatize

verb
/ˈhɪpəˌstætaɪz/
Definition
To treat or regard a concept or idea as if it has a concrete existence.
Examples
  • Many philosophers tend to hypostatize the concept of justice in their theories.
  • When discussing love, it is easy to hypostatize the emotion and overlook its subjective experience.
  • In our discussions, we should avoid the temptation to hypostatize our theories without sufficient evidence.
Meaning
Hypostatize involves attributing a material or real existence to something abstract or theoretical.
Synonyms
  • personify
  • reify
  • materialize
  • embody