Content-Length: 223892 | pFad | https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ideal

IDEAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for ideal

ideal

[ ahy-dee-uhl, ahy-deel ]

noun

  1. a conception of something in its perfection.

    Synonyms: epitome

  2. a standard of perfection or excellence.

    Synonyms: epitome

  3. a person or thing conceived as embodying such a conception or conforming to such a standard, and taken as a model for imitation:

    Thomas Jefferson was his ideal.

  4. an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character:

    He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.

    Synonyms: objective, intention

  5. something that exists only in the imagination:

    To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.

  6. Mathematics. a subring of a ring, any element of which when multiplied by any element of the ring results in an element of the subring.


adjective

  1. conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence:

    ideal beauty.

    Synonyms: complete, consummate, perfect

  2. regarded as perfect of its kind:

    an ideal spot for a home.

  3. existing only in the imagination; not real or actual:

    Nature is real; beauty is ideal.

    Synonyms: fantastic, fanciful, imaginary, illusory

  4. advantageous; excellent; best:

    It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.

  5. based upon an ideal or ideals:

    the ideal theory of numbers.

  6. Philosophy.
    1. pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.
    2. pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.

ideal

/ aɪˈdɪəl; ˌaɪdɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain
  2. a person or thing considered to represent perfection

    he's her ideal

  3. something existing only as an idea
  4. a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. conforming to an ideal
  2. of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea
  3. philosophy
    1. of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs
    2. of or relating to idealism
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • iˈdeally, adverb
  • ideality, noun
  • iˈdealness, noun
Discover More

Other Words From

  • i·deal·ness noun
  • quasi-i·deal adjective
  • quasi-i·deal·ly adverb
  • subi·deal adjective noun
  • super·i·deal adjective noun
  • super·i·deal·ly adverb
  • uni·deal adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideal1

From the Late Latin word ideālis, dating back to 1605–15. See idea, -al 1
Discover More

Synonym Study

Ideal, example, model refer to something considered as a standard to strive toward or something considered worthy of imitation. An ideal is a concept or standard of perfection, existing merely as an image in the mind, or based upon a person or upon conduct: We admire the high ideals of a religious person. Sir Philip Sidney was considered the ideal in gentlemanly conduct. An example is a person or the conduct or achievements of a person regarded as worthy of being followed or imitated in a general way; or sometimes, as properly to be avoided: an example of courage; a bad example to one's children. A model is primarily a physical shape to be closely copied, but is also a pattern for exact imitation in conduct or character: They took their leader as a model.
Discover More

Example Sentences

It’s critical archival work, yet also the ideal antidote to doomscrolling.

From Salon

Those, and the lack of rain we'd had made ideal conditions for a fire to spread quickly and intensely.

From BBC

“In an ideal situation, you’re getting groceries plus some support and help around what to do with the groceries,” Ridberg says.

From Salon

The ideal scenario of sending Dyche on his way with gratitude in the summer has not come about, so less than a month into their stewardship the Friedkin Group have made their first managerial sacking.

From BBC

The source added that the timing of Dyche's departure, just hours before a game, was not ideal.

From BBC

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


ideaisticideal crystal









ApplySandwichStrip

pFad - (p)hone/(F)rame/(a)nonymizer/(d)eclutterfier!      Saves Data!


--- a PPN by Garber Painting Akron. With Image Size Reduction included!

Fetched URL: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ideal

Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy