Meaning of ideal in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
ideal
Definitions
1. conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence
Examples
- « embodying an ideal »
Synonyms
- perfect
2. constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception
Examples
- « a poem or essay may be typical of its period in idea or ideal content »
Synonyms
- abstract
Noun
ideal
Definitions
1. the idea of something that is perfect
Examples
- « something that one hopes to attain »
Derived terms
- idealise
- idealize
2. model of excellence or perfection of a kind
Examples
- « one having no equal »
Derived terms
Qualitative Adjective
ideal
Etymology
late Middle English (as a term in Platonic philosophy, in the sense ‘existing as an archetype’): from late Latin idealis, from Latin idea (see idea)
Definitions
1. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas

Famous quotes

« Our life dreams the Utopia. Our death achieves the Ideal. »
Victor Hugo
« Philosophy is a kind of journey, ever learning yet never arriving at the ideal perfection of truth. »
Albert Pike
« My parents had an old-fashioned ideal of college, that four years at a liberal arts college should be a liberal arts education. »
Julie Bowen
« Peace as a goal is an ideal which will not be contested by any government or nation, not even the most belligerent. »
Aung San Suu Kyi
« An ideal wife is one who remains faithful to you but tries to be just as charming as if she weren't. »
Sacha Guitry