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ideals

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i⋅de⋅al

  [ahy-dee-uhl, ahy-deel]
Use ideals in a Sentence
–noun
1. a conception of something in its perfection.
2. a standard of perfection or excellence.
3. a person or thing conceived as embodying such a conception or conforming to such a standard, and taken as a model for imitation: Thomas Jefferson was his ideal.
4. an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, esp. one of high or noble character: He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.
5. something that exists only in the imagination: To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.
6. Mathematics. a subring of a ring, any element of which when multiplied by any element of the ring results in an element of the subring.
–adjective
7. conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence: ideal beauty.
8. regarded as perfect of its kind: an ideal spot for a home.
9. existing only in the imagination; not real or actual: Nature is real; beauty is ideal.
10. advantageous; excellent; best: It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.
11. based upon an ideal or ideals: the ideal theory of numbers.
12. Philosophy.
a. pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.
b. pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.
Origin:
1605–15; < LL ideālis. See idea, -al 1

Related forms:
i⋅de⋅al⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1, 2. epitome. Ideal, example, model refer to something considered as a standard to strive toward or something considered worthy of imitation. An ideal is a concept or standard of perfection, existing merely as an image in the mind, or based upon a person or upon conduct: We admire the high ideals of a religious person. Sir Philip Sidney was considered the ideal in gentlemanly conduct. An example is a person or the conduct or achievements of a person regarded as worthy of being followed or imitated in a general way; or sometimes, as properly to be avoided: an example of courage; a bad example to one's children. A model is primarily a physical shape to be closely copied, but is also a pattern for exact imitation in conduct or character: They took their leader as a model. 4. intention, objective. 7. perfect, consummate, complete. 9. illusory, imaginary, fanciful, fantastic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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i·de·al   (ī-dē'əl, ī-dēl')   
n.  

  1. A conception of something in its absolute perfection.

  2. One that is regarded as a standard or model of perfection or excellence.

  3. An ultimate object of endeavor; a goal.

  4. An honorable or worthy principle or aim.

adj.  

    1. Of, relating to, or embodying an ideal.

    2. Conforming to an ultimate form or standard of perfection or excellence.

    3. Existing only in the mind; imaginary.

    4. Lacking practicality or the possibility of realization.

    5. Existing as an archetype or pattern, especially as a Platonic idea or perception.

    6. Of or relating to idealism.

  2. Considered the best of its kind.

  3. Completely or highly satisfactory: The location of the new house is ideal.

    1. Existing only in the mind; imaginary.

    2. Lacking practicality or the possibility of realization.

    3. Existing as an archetype or pattern, especially as a Platonic idea or perception.

    4. Of or relating to idealism.

  5. Of, relating to, or consisting of ideas or mental images.

  6. Philosophy

    1. Existing as an archetype or pattern, especially as a Platonic idea or perception.

    2. Of or relating to idealism.


[From Middle English, pertaining to the divine archetypes of things, from Late Latin ideālis, from Latin idea, idea; see idea.]
Synonyms: These nouns refer to someone or something worthy of imitation or duplication. An ideal is a sometimes unattainable standard of perfection: "Religion is the vision of . . . something which is the ultimate ideal, and the hopeless quest" (Alfred North Whitehead).
An example can refer to something that is worthy of imitation but can also indicate something that serves as a deterrent or warning: "Our Government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example" (Louis D. Brandeis).
An exemplar, like a model, serves as an ideal example by reason of being either very worthy or truly representative of a type, admirable or otherwise: "He is indeed the perfect exemplar of all nobleness" (Jane Porter). "Our fellow countryman is a model of a man" (Charles Dickens).
A standard is an established criterion or recognized level of excellence: "It wouldn't be quite fair to test him by our standards" (William Dean Howells).
A pattern serves as a model, plan, or guide in the creation of something: "I will be the pattern of all patience" (Shakespeare).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 2ideal
Function: noun
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence ideals are …the essential manifestations of the superego —G. S. Blum> ideal and not the actual pattern of behavior —Weston La Barre>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

ideal i·de·al (ī-dē'əl, ī-dēl')
n.

  1. A conception of something in its absolute perfection.

  2. One that is regarded as a standard or model of perfection or excellence.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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