ideal
Americannoun
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a conception of something in its perfection.
- Synonyms:
- epitome
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a standard of perfection or excellence.
- Synonyms:
- epitome
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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.
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an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character.
He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.
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something that exists only in the imagination.
To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.
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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
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conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence.
ideal beauty.
- Synonyms:
- complete, consummate, perfect
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regarded as perfect of its kind.
an ideal spot for a home.
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existing only in the imagination; not real or actual.
Nature is real; beauty is ideal.
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advantageous; excellent; best.
It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.
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based upon an ideal or ideals.
the ideal theory of numbers.
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Philosophy.
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pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.
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pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.
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noun
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a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain
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a person or thing considered to represent perfection
he's her ideal
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something existing only as an idea
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a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour
adjective
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conforming to an ideal
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of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea
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philosophy
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of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs
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of or relating to idealism
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Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- ideality noun
- ideally adverb
- idealness noun
- quasi-ideal adjective
- quasi-ideally adverb
- subideal adjective
- superideal adjective
- superideally adverb
- unideal adjective
Etymology
Origin of ideal
From the Late Latin word ideālis, dating back to 1605–15. See idea, -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Over time, scientists realized that carbon and oxygen-based molecules are not ideal for tracing how planets form because their origins are difficult to pinpoint.
From Science Daily
“But just not ideal. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
From Literature
They’re much more interested in whether the relationship aligns with their own ideals for personal happiness and growth.
It’s also ideal for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on features or security.
From Salon
The hard truth: There may be no ideal solution.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
