Main Entry: ¹ide·al

Pronunciation: \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌ\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea

Date: 15th century

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 a : of, relating to, or embodying an ideal <ideal beauty> b : conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect <an ideal gas> — compare real 2b(3)
4 : of or relating to philosophical idealism