Definition of Ideal

1. Noun. The idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain.


2. Adjective. Conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal.
Similar to: Perfect
Derivative terms: Ideality

3. Noun. Model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal.
Exact synonyms: Apotheosis, Nonesuch, Nonpareil, Nonsuch, Paragon, Saint
Specialized synonyms: Crackerjack, Jimdandy, Jimhickey, Class Act, Humdinger
Generic synonyms: Model, Role Model
Derivative terms: Apotheosise, Apotheosize, Sainthood, Sanctify

4. Adjective. Constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception. "A poem or essay may be typical of its period in idea or ideal content"
Similar to: Abstract
Derivative terms: Idea, Ideality

5. Adjective. Of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas.
Exact synonyms: Idealistic
Partainyms: Idealism, Idealism
Derivative terms: Idealism

Definition of Ideal

1. a. Existing in idea or thought; conceptional; intellectual; mental; as, ideal knowledge.

2. n. A mental conception regarded as a standard of perfection; a model of excellence, beauty, etc.

Definition of Ideal

1. Adjective. Optimal; being the best possibility. ¹

2. Adjective. Perfect, flawless, having no defects. ¹

3. Adjective. Existing only in the mind; conceptual, imaginary. ¹

4. Adjective. (mathematics) Not actually present, but considered as present when limits at infinity are included. ¹

5. Noun. A perfect standard of beauty, intellect etc., or a standard of excellence to aim at. ¹

6. Noun. (mathematics order theory) A non-empty lower set (of a partially ordered set) which is closed under binary suprema (a.k.a. joins).[ ¹

7. Noun. (context: for example algebra) A subring closed under multiplication by its containing ring. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Ideal

1. a standard of perfection [n -S]

Medical Definition of Ideal

1. 1. Existing in idea or thought; conceptional; intellectual; mental; as, ideal knowledge. 2. Reaching an imaginary standard of excellence; fit for a model; faultless; as, ideal beauty. "There will always be a wide interval between practical and ideal excellence." (Rambler) 3. Existing in fancy or imagination only; visionary; unreal. "Planning ideal common wealth." 4. Teaching the doctrine of idealism; as, the ideal theory or philosophy. 5. Imaginary. Synonym: Intellectual, mental, visionary, fanciful, imaginary, unreal, impracticable, utopian. Origin: L. Idealis: cf. F. Ideal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Ideal

idant
idants
idarubicin
idarubicine
idazoxan
idd
iddingsite
iddingsites
ide
idea
idea future
idea hamster
idea of reference
idea virus
ideaed
ideal (current term)
ideal-seeking behavior
ideal alveolar gas
ideal gas
ideal gas law
ideal solid
idealess
idealessness
idealisation
idealisations
idealise
idealised
idealises
idealising
idealism

Literary usage of Ideal

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Proceedings of the ... Annual Convention by Religious Education Association (1907)
"Now, of course, the ideal religious society for young people will believe ... It sets before its members a steady and high ideal of fidelity to the Church ..."

2. The Life of Reason; Or, The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana (1905)
"Yet each ideal is its own justification; so that the only sense in which an ... we may inquire what formal qualities are imposed on the ideal by its nature ..."

3. Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1891)
"The ideal engine, as the term is here employed, is that which is treated of in all ... The ideal engine is one which is assumed to have a non-conducting ..."

4. Proceedings of the ... Annual Convention by Religious Education Association (1907)
"Now, of course, the ideal religious society for young people will believe ... It sets before its members a steady and high ideal of fidelity to the Church ..."

5. The Contemporary Review (1898)
"And I can imagine that some of yon may be saying—ideal London is an impossible ... An ideal is a standard at which we aim, the hope of things not eeen, ..."

6. The Social Welfare Forum: Official Proceedings ... Annual Forum by National Conference on Social Welfare, American Social Science Association, Conference of Charities (U.S., Conference of Charities (U.S.), National Conference of Social Work (U.S. (1895)
"The world is governed by ideas : the idealist is an uncrowned king. All institutions are the embodiment of ideas. The ideal of mutual affection ..."

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