Definitions for: Ideal


[n] the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
[n] model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
[adj] 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"
[adj] conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
[adj] represented in the abstract rather than as they really are
[adj] of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas



Webster (1913) Definition: I*de"al, a. [L. idealis: cf. F. id['e]al.]
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. --Byron.

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.'' --Southey.

4. Teaching the doctrine of idealism; as, the ideal theory or
philosophy.

5. (Math.) Imaginary.

Syn: Intellectual; mental; visionary; fanciful; imaginary;
unreal; impracticable; utopian.


I*de"al, n.
A mental conception regarded as a standard of perfection; a
model of excellence, beauty, etc.

The ideal is to be attained by selecting and assembling
in one whole the beauties and perfections which are
usually seen in different individuals, excluding
everything defective or unseemly, so as to form a type
or model of the species. Thus, the Apollo Belvedere is
the ideal of the beauty and proportion of the human
frame. --Fleming.

Beau ideal. See Beau ideal.

Synonyms: abstract, apotheosis, idealistic, idealistic, nonesuch, nonpareil, nonsuch, paragon, perfect, saint, utopian

See Also: beau ideal, crackerjack, criterion, ego ideal, example, exemplar, good example, humdinger, idea, idol, jimdandy, jimhickey, model, model, paragon, perfection, role model, standard, thought, value

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