Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having high moral or intellectual ideals; elevated in nature: Characterized by a belief in or pursuit of lofty, noble, or perfect principles, often without regard to practical considerations.
   • Relating to idealism: Of or pertaining to the philosophical doctrine that ideas, or the mind, constitute the fundamental reality.

Usage and Examples

• General Use (Having high ideals):
  • Her idealistic vision for world peace inspired many young activists.
  • He was too idealistic to understand the compromises required in politics.
• Philosophical Use (Relating to idealism):
  • The philosopher's idealistic framework argued that consciousness shapes reality.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Idealistic" vs. "Realistic": Often used in contrast to "realistic" to highlight a focus on how things should be rather than how they are.
  • His plan was dismissed as being overly idealistic and impractical.
• "Youthfully idealistic": A common collocation suggesting idealism is often associated with youth.
  • She held the youthfully idealistic belief that she could change the system from within.

Variants and Related Words

• Idealism (n): The attitude or practice of pursuing noble ideals, or the philosophical theory.
  • His idealism was tempered by experience.
• Idealist (n): A person who is guided by ideals, especially unrealistically.
  • She was a dreamer and an idealist.
• Ideal (n/adj): A standard of perfection; conforming to an ultimate standard of excellence.
  • He fought for his political ideals.

Synonyms

• Utopian: Aiming for a state of perfection, often impractically.
• Quixotic: Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
• Noble: Having high moral principles.
• Lofty: Of a high moral or intellectual level.

Antonyms

• Realistic: Having a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved.
• Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
• Cynical: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Idealism meets reality": A phrase describing the moment when high ideals confront practical limitations.
  • For the new mayor, it was a case of idealism meeting reality.

Adjective

1. of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
   • an exalted ideal
   • argue in terms of high-flown ideals- Oliver Franks
   • a noble and lofty concept
   • a grand purpose
2. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas