ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

a

: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly

b

: for best results

ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant

—T. M. Martinez

c

: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically

2

: in relation to an exemplar

3

: in idea or imagination : mentally

Synonyms

• faultlessly
• flawlessly
• immaculately
• impeccably
• pat
• perfectly

Examples of ideally in a Sentence

His skills made him ideally suited for the job.

They were ideally suited to one another.

The ski slope was situated ideally.

Recent Examples on the Web

Be sure to try one of Bodø's saunas (ideally at sunset). —Irenie Forshaw, The Week Uk, theweek, 16 July 2024

This one should more closely target the variants currently circulating and, ideally, be a better match for the strains expected to be dominant in the fall and winter. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 16 July 2024

The 16-time Nathan's champion says that ideally, the sausages should be cooked on a flat-top grill. —Miles Berry, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024

Refashioning tired narratives into something that ideally becomes new in its retelling. —Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly

ideally suited to the job

2

: for best results

ideally, each student should arrive early