problematize
gb/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/ us/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
C2
English
megkérdőjelez, problematizál, problémaként kezel, problémaként állít be
VERB
C2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
problematize [an idea/assumption/category]
The essay problematizes the idea that technology is always neutral.
Az esszé megkérdőjelezi azt az elképzelést, hogy a technológia mindig semleges.
Her research problematizes simple divisions between public and private life.
Kutatása megkérdőjelezi a köz- és a magánélet közötti egyszerű felosztást.
The film problematizes traditional ideas of heroism instead of simply celebrating them.
Learner examples
The article problematizes the idea of a single national identity.
A cikk megkérdőjelezi az egységes nemzeti identitás gondolatát.
We were asked to problematize common beliefs about success.
Arra kértek minket, hogy kérdőjelezzük meg a sikerrel kapcsolatos általános hiedelmeket.
Common mistake:
This is a formal, academic verb; in everyday English, question, challenge, or complicate is usually more natural.
Meaning
Critically question an assumption
Collocations
problematize an idea
|problematize a concept
|problematize an assumption
|problematize a category
|problematize the notion of
|problematize a binary
|problematize a narrative
|problematize a claim
|problematize identity
|problematize the relationship between
Synonyms
question (More general and less academic.)
|
challenge (Often suggests active disagreement or opposition.)
|
interrogate (Similarly academic; emphasizes close critical examination.)
Antonyms
accept (Treats something as true or valid rather than questionable.)
|
assume (Takes something as given without critical examination.)
|
affirm (Supports or confirms an idea rather than casting doubt on it.)
Themes
academia
|critical_thinking
|ideas
|debate
Definition
To ask critical questions about an idea that people often accept as simple or true.
To examine an idea, category, or assumption critically so as to show that it is not simple, natural, or beyond question.
VERB
C2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
problematize [a behavior/group/topic] as [a problem/risk/threat]
Critics say the campaign problematizes teenage behavior that is actually normal.
A bírálók szerint a kampány problémaként állítja be azt a kamaszkori viselkedést, amely valójában normális.
The report problematizes remote work mainly as a security risk, not as an employee benefit.
A jelentés a távmunkát főként biztonsági kockázatként állítja be, nem pedig a munkavállalók számára előnyként.
Early media coverage problematized migration as a crisis rather than discussing long-term policy.
Learner examples
The policy problematizes social media use among children.
A szakpolitika problémaként kezeli a gyermekek közösségimédia-használatát.
The article problematizes homelessness as a public issue.
A cikk a hajléktalanságot közügyi problémaként állítja be.
Common mistake:
Do not use it simply to mean cause a practical problem in casual speech; use create a problem or make something a problem.
Meaning
Treat as a problem
Collocations
problematize youth culture
|problematize migration
|problematize poverty
|problematize a behavior
|problematize difference
|problematize risk
|problematize sexuality
|problematize disability
|problematize old age
|problematize social media use
Synonyms
frame (More neutral; means to present something in a particular way.)
|
pathologize (Stronger; means to present something as abnormal or like an illness.)
|
cast as a problem (Plain phrase with a similar meaning.)
Antonyms
normalize (Presents something as normal rather than problematic.)
|
deproblematize (Rare and technical; means to remove something from a problem frame.)
|
legitimize (Presents something as acceptable or valid.)
Themes
academia
|media
|politics
|social_issues
|policy
Definition
To describe or frame something as if it is a problem.
To present, frame, or treat something as a problem that needs explanation, control, or a solution.
Grammar
Dictionary form
problematize
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
US/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
prob - lem - at - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prob)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: problematize
- 3rd Person Singular: problematizes
- Present Participle: problematizing
- Past: problematized
- Past Participle: problematized
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.