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ideal Definition

ideal (ī dēəl, -dēl; īdē′əl, -dēl′)

adjective

  1. existing as an idea, model, or archetype; consisting of ideas
  2. thought of as perfect or as a perfect model; exactly as one would wish; of a perfect kind
  3. of, or having the nature of, an idea or conception; identifying or illustrating an idea or conception; conceptual
  4. existing only in the mind as an image, fancy, or concept; visionary; imaginary
  5. Philos. of idealism; idealistic

Etymology: Fr idéal < LL idealis, existing in idea, ideal < L idea: see idea

noun

  1. a conception of something in its most excellent or perfect form
  2. a person or thing regarded as fulfilling this conception; perfect model
  3. something that exists only in the mind
  4. a goal or principle, esp. one of a noble character

ideal Synonyms

ideal

modif.

  1. Typical

    prototypical, model, archetypical; see typical.

  2. Perfect

    supreme, consummate, fitting, exemplary; see absolute 1, excellent, perfect 2.

  3. Characterizing the unattainable

    utopian, imaginary, visionary, fanciful, unreal, abstract, quixotic, Panglossian, high-flown, impractical, impracticable, chimerical, extravagant, theoretical, in the clouds, mercurial, out of reach, dreamlike, fictitious, unearthly; see also impractical, romantic 1, visionary 1.

    Antonyms practical*, practicable*, down-to-earth.

ideal Synonyms

ideal

n.

paragon, goal, prototype, standard of perfection; see model 1.

ideal Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • embody: In signing the banknote, Luping attempts to raise its market value, thereby devaluing the Maoist ideals embodied by Liu Vinci.
  • uphold: Upholding the highest ideals in the management and development of all people that recognizes and values diversity of all staff.

Adjective modifier

  • lofty: The FAO says that, " eradicating hunger is not merely a lofty ideal " ( 21 ).
  • Platonic: Was it all supposed to add up to some Platonic ideal of the MEng degree?
  • noble: We must reform the Arts Council, to refresh the ambition of the noble ideal Clement Atlee's government had 60 years ago.
  • egalitarian: Spurred by the egalitarian ideals of the French Revolution, the free coloreds revolted.

Modifies a noun

  • candidate: The ideal candidate should have a research, social science or history background.
  • location: Music House's Garden Studio is an ideal location for children to enjoy an intimate party event for up to 20 children.
  • venue: South Stack cliffs is an ideal venue for bird watching.
  • base: The ideal base for touring the whole of Cornwall.
  • gift: There are numerous other items of similar high quality which would make ideal personal gifts.
  • solution: Solar panels, or in some cases small wind turbines, can be the ideal solution.

Noun used with modifier

  • bodhisattva: For our purposes here, the crucial importance of the bodhisattva ideal in Mah&#257;y&#257;na Buddhism is that the bodhisattva cures himself by curing others.
  • enlightenment: Even the earliest Greek philosophers have routinely been seen as struggling precursors of the Enlightenment ideal.

Preposition: of

  • chivalry: However, the ideals of chivalry and Knighthood would continue to live on and flourish.
  • manhood: Sport came to represent, in ideologies such as fair play, an ideal of European manhood.

Preposition: for

  • beginner: Can be used with or without the supplied silicone sleeve and is ideal for the beginner.
  • walker: A superb location ideal for walkers, who can step from the farm straight onto the fell.
  • anyone: Everything is on ground level, ideal for anyone with mobility or sight problems.
  • traveler: Ideal for travelers on a budget and backpackers visiting the UK.

Browse dictionary entries near ideal

  1. idea man
  2. idea
  3. -ide
  4. IDDD
  5. Idahoan
  6. Idaho
  7. -idae
  8. Ida
  9. -id
  10. id est
  1. ideal point
  2. idealism
  3. idealist
  4. idealistic
  5. ideality
  6. idealization
  7. idealize
  8. ideally
  9. ideals
  10. ideate