Definitions for: Idealism


[n] elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
[n] impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are
[n] the doctrine that ideas are the only reality



Webster (1913) Definition: I*de"al*ism, n. [Cf. F. id['e]alisme.]
1. The quality or state of being ideal.

2. Conception of the ideal; imagery.

3. (Philos.) The system or theory that denies the existence
of material bodies, and teaches that we have no rational
grounds to believe in the reality of anything but ideas
and their relations.


I*de"al*ism, n.
The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or
character to things; treatment of things in art or literature
according to ideal standards or patterns; -- opposed to
realism.

Synonyms: high-mindedness, noble-mindedness

See Also: grandeur, impracticality, knight errantry, magnanimousness, nobility, philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory, quixotism, romanticism

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