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

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

Other Word Forms

• ideally adverb
• ideality noun
• idealness noun
• quasi-ideal adjective
• quasi-ideally adverb
• subideal adjective
• superideal adjective
• superideally adverb
• unideal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideal¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

To the screen-obsessed president, a stereotypical mean girl is ideal casting to be his enforcer.

Read more on Salon

That makes it ideal for freight carriers and tankers.

Read more on BBC

The circumstances were anything but ideal for a team whose season hung in the balance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Moderna’s mRNA platform, which is capable of editing and updating vaccines in days rather than months, made it the ideal partner for that mission.

Read more on Salon

While she credits pageants for her professional success, she also acknowledges that it’s not ideal to be “parading women around on a stage in their underwear, essentially, to win a scholarship.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• excellent 
• fitting 
• optimal 
• quintessential