ideal Definition
ideal (ī dē′əl, -dēl′; ī′dē′əl, -dēl′)
adjective
- existing as an idea, model, or archetype; consisting of ideas
- thought of as perfect or as a perfect model; exactly as one would wish; of a perfect kind
- of, or having the nature of, an idea or conception; identifying or illustrating an idea or conception; conceptual
- existing only in the mind as an image, fancy, or concept; visionary; imaginary
- Philos. of idealism; idealistic
Etymology: Fr idéal < LL idealis, existing in idea, ideal < L idea: see idea
noun
- a conception of something in its most excellent or perfect form
- a person or thing regarded as fulfilling this conception; perfect model
- something that exists only in the mind
- a goal or principle, esp. one of a noble character
ideal Synonyms
ideal
modif.
Typical
Perfect
supreme, consummate, fitting, exemplary; see absolute 1, excellent, perfect 2.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 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 Mahāyāna 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.
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