ideal type

noun

1. a construct abstracted from experience in which individual elements are combined to form a whole that is conceptually independent of empirical factors or variables, but against which particular examples of the appropriate class found in life can be measured.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideal type¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The ideal types of microphones for a given situation directly capture your intended audio source, such as your voice or a musical instrument, without picking up any other nearby sound.

From Popular-Science

And why did Chopin regard Mozart as the ideal type, the poet par excellence?

From Project Gutenberg

Hers was the ideal type of Japanese feature, so rarely seen amongst the common people, and considered so unlovely by Europeans.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Old Testament the ideal type is the "just man," who conformed to ritual standards at all points.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the ideal type of the feudal lord for whom no interest prevails against his own.

From Project Gutenberg

About 1200 this ideal type gave place to the later "realistic" crucifix.

From Project Gutenberg