ideal

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adjective ide·al \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l\

Definition of ideal

1 : existing as an archetypal idea
2a : existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only; broadly : lacking practicalityb : relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3a : of, relating to, or embodying an ideal ideal beautyb : conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect an ideal gas — compare real 2b(3)
4 : of or relating to philosophical idealism

See ideal defined for English-language learners

See ideal defined for kids

Examples of ideal in a Sentence

It was an ideal spot for a vacation.
She is an ideal candidate for the job.
The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people.

Origin and Etymology of ideal

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

ideal

noun ide·al

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

idealless

play \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

See ideal defined for English-language learners

Examples of ideal in a Sentence

an ideal of romantic love
He hasn't lived up to his high ideals.
She considers the actress her ideal.

First Known Use of ideal

15th century

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

IDEAL Defined for English Language Learners

ideal

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adjective

Definition of ideal for English Language Learners

: exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person

ideal

noun

Definition of ideal for English Language Learners

: 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

IDEAL Defined for Kids

ideal

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adjective ide·al \ī-ˈdē-əl\

Definition of ideal for Students

: having no flaw : perfect ideal weather

ideally

adverb

ideal

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noun ide·al

Definition of ideal for Students

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.

Medical Dictionary

ideal

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adjective ide·al \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌ\

Medical Definition of ideal

1: existing as an archetypal idea
2a: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination onlyb: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

ideal

noun ide·al

Medical Definition of ideal

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence self-criticism and the formation of ideals are…the essential manifestations of the superego—G. S. Blum