First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1ideal
adjective ide·al \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌ\
: exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person
Full Definition of IDEAL
1
: existing as an archetypal idea
2
a : existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only; broadly : lacking practicality b : relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3
4
: of or relating to philosophical idealism
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Origin of IDEAL
Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea
Related to IDEAL
- Synonyms
- conceptual, abstract, ideational, metaphysical, notional, theoretical (also theoretic)
- Antonyms
- concrete, nonabstract
Other Physics Terms
2ideal
noun
: an idea or standard of perfection or excellence
: someone or something that is believed to be perfect : someone or something that you admire and want to imitate
Full Definition of IDEAL
1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2
: one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation
3
: an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal
4
: a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring
— ide·al·less \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective
See ideal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IDEAL
15th century
Related to IDEAL
- Synonyms
- beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint
Synonym Discussion of IDEAL
model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation <a decor that is a model of good taste>. example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning <children tend to follow the example of their parents>. pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype <American industry set a pattern for others to follow>. exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification <cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage>. ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception <never found a job that matched his ideal>.
Rhymes with IDEAL
aiguille, all-wheel, anneal, appeal, big deal, big wheel, bilge keel, bonemeal, bonspiel, cam wheel, Castile, cartwheel, chainwheel, chenille, cogwheel, conceal, congeal, cornmeal, done deal, eared seal, enwheel, fifth wheel, fish meal, flywheel, forefeel, for real, four-wheel, freewheel, fur seal, genteel, get real, good deal, great seal, handwheel, harp seal, inchmeal, mild steel, mill wheel, misdeal, mobile, Mobile, monk seal, mouthfeel, New Deal, newsreel, nosewheel, oatmeal, O'Neal, pastille, piecemeal, pinwheel, prayer wheel, raw deal, repeal, reveal, schlemiel, self-heal, side-wheel, singspiel, somedeal, spike heel, stabile, tahsil, Tar Heel, thumbwheel, unreel, unseal, worm wheel
IDEAL Defined for Kids
1ideal
adjective ide·al \ī-ˈdē-əl\
Definition of IDEAL for Kids
: having no flaw : perfect <ideal weather>
— ide·al·ly adverb
2ideal
noun
Definition of IDEAL for Kids
1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence <He couldn't live up to his own ideals.>
2
: someone who deserves to be imitated or admired <She considered the older woman her ideal.>
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