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
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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
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Physics Terms
ideal
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
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.
15th Century
First Known Use of ideal
15th century
Synonym Discussion of ideal
IDEAL Defined for English Language Learners
ideal
playDefinition of ideal for English Language Learners
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: exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person
ideal
Definition of ideal for English Language Learners
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: an idea or standard of perfection or excellence
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: someone or something that is believed to be perfect : someone or something that you admire and want to imitate
IDEAL Defined for Kids
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
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
Learn More about ideal
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ideal Spanish Central: Translation of ideal Nglish: Translation of ideal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ideal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ideal
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