idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

a

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

b

: something that is idealized

2

a(1)

: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena

(2)

: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason

b(1)

: a theory that only the perceptible is real

(2)

: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable

3

: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism

Examples of idealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cheering for such idealism used to feel corny; all the cool, caped crusaders had ethical kinks. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

At the same time, Neptune in Aries activates your relationship sector, sparking idealism in your one-on-one connections. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 June 2025

Yet he is also preoccupied with instilling a sense of idealism and conviction in both the party and the rest of the Chinese population. —Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025

Over the course of 9 episodes, the series examines the fallout of that decision, following the sisters on a thirty-year journey from idealism to disillusionment. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Rhymes for idealism

• surrealism
• neorealism

Kids Definition

idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

idealist

-(ə-)ləst

noun

idealistic

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik

ˌī-dē-

adjective

idealistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb