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View synonyms for

ideal

[ ahy-dee-uhl, ahy-deel ]

noun

  1. a conception of something in its perfection.

    Synonyms:

  2. a standard of perfection or excellence.

    Synonyms:

  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: ,

  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: , ,

  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: , , ,

  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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ𲹱, adverb
  • ideality, noun
  • ˈ𲹱Ա, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·a·Ա noun
  • ܲȴ-·a adjective
  • ܲȴ-·a·ly adverb
  • ܲi·a adjective noun
  • p··a adjective noun
  • p··a·ly adverb
  • ܲi·a adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ideal1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

“A moral man who led an immoral life, an idealist who had betrayed his ideals. No one despised Richard as much as Richard himself.”

From

For years, the most sought-after features were a blend of Western ideals, anime fantasy and K-Pop inspiration: The double eyelid, the sculpted jawline, the prominent nose, and the symmetrical face.

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Instagram's algorithms, they claim, "still promote sexualised imagery, harmful beauty ideals and other negative stereotypes".

From

Hilton was credited with modernizing the British conservative movement, remaining true to free-market ideals while also supporting liberal social policy, such as backing gay rights and fighting climate change.

From

The land, part of a disused quarry once linked to the town's former steelworks, was identified as the ideal location due to strong local support.

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