ideal

/ai'diəl/

Definition

Adjective:
- Relating to a perfect standard or concept: Representing the best possible example or a standard of perfection.
- Existing only in the mind or as an idea: Not existing in reality but conceived as a perfect model.
- Philosophical doctrine: Of or relating to the theory that ideas are the true reality.
Noun:
- A standard of perfection: A principle or value that one actively pursues as a goal.
- A person or thing regarded as perfect: A model of excellence or perfection.

Usage Examples

Adjective:
- She is the ideal candidate for the job. (She perfectly matches all the desired qualities.)
- The weather was ideal for a picnic. (The weather conditions were perfectly suited for the activity.)
- He has an ideal vision of a peaceful world. (He holds a perfect, though perhaps not real, concept of peace.)
Noun:
- He has high ideals about honesty and integrity. (He holds honesty and integrity as perfect standards to follow.)
- The democratic ideal is based on freedom and equality. (Democracy is conceived as a perfect model incorporating these principles.)
- She was his ideal of beauty. (She perfectly embodied his concept of beauty.)

Advanced Usage

In a philosophical context: Refers to the nature of ideas as the fundamental reality.
- Plato's theory of Forms deals with the ideal, perfect versions of things.
In mathematics: Refers to a special subset of a ring, an ideal (e.g., principal ideal).
- The set of all even integers forms an ideal in the ring of integers.

Variants and Related Words

Ideally (adverb): In a perfect or most suitable way.
- Ideally, we should finish by Friday.
Idealism (noun): The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically. In philosophy, the theory that ideas are the only reality.
Idealist (noun): A person who is guided more by ideals than by practical considerations.
Idealize (verb): To regard or represent as perfect or better than in reality.
- He tends to idealize his childhood.

Synonyms

Adjective: Perfect, exemplary, model, ultimate, archetypal, conceptual, notional.
Noun: Principle, standard, model, paragon, epitome, perfection, paradigm.

Antonyms

Idioms and Common Phrases

The ideal and the real: The contrast between perfect concepts and actual reality.
- His work explores the tension between the ideal and the real.
To live up to an ideal: To match or achieve a perfect standard.
- It is difficult to live up to such high ideals.

Adjective

of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas
constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception
- a poem or essay may be typical of its period in idea or ideal content
conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

Noun

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