ideal

¹ide·al

adj \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌ\

Definition of IDEAL

1

: existing as an archetypal idea

2

a : existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only; broadly : lacking practicality b : relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

3

a : of, relating to, or embodying an ideal <ideal beauty> b : conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect <an ideal gas> — compare real 2b(3)

4

: of or relating to philosophical idealism

Examples of IDEAL

1. It was an ideal spot for a vacation.
2. She is an ideal candidate for the job.
3. The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people.

Origin of IDEAL

Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to IDEAL

Synonyms: conceptual, abstract, ideational, metaphysical, notional, theoretical (also theoretic)

Antonyms: concrete, nonabstract

Related Words: conjectural, hypothetical, speculative; cosmic (also cosmical), intellectual, mental, spiritual; ethereal, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, unsubstantial; impalpable, imperceptible, insensible, intangible, invisible; impractical, romantic, transcendent, transcendental, unreal, utopian, visionary

Near Antonyms: material, physical; appreciable, detectable, discernible (also discernable), noticeable, observable, palpable, perceptible, sensible, substantial, tangible, visible; defined, definite, distinct; actual, factual, real

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum