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1. Dictionary

   i·de·al

   /īˈdē(ə)l/

   adjective

   • 1. satisfying one's conception of what is perfect; most suitable: "the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip" Similar perfectbest possibleconsummatesupremeabsolutecompletecopybookflawlessfaultlesswithout faultexemplaryclassicarchetypalmodelultimatequintessentialOpposite bad
   • 2. existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality: "in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision" Similar unattainableunachievableimpracticableunworkableunfeasibleunrealfictitioushypotheticaltheoreticalivory-toweredimaginaryidealizedutopianromanticquixoticvisionaryfancifulfairy-taleOpposite attainablereal
   • ▪ representing an abstract or hypothetical optimum: "mathematical modeling can determine theoretically ideal conditions" Similar abstracttheoreticalconceptualnotionalintellectualmetaphysicalphilosophicalacademichypotheticalspeculativeconjecturalconjecturedsuppositionalputativerare:suppositioussuppositiveideationalOpposite concrete

   noun

   • 1. a person or thing regarded as perfect: "you're my ideal of how a man should be" Similar perfectionparagonepitomene plus ultrabeau idéalnonpareilcrème de la crèmethe last wordthe ultimatea dreaminformal:one in a millionthe topsthe best/greatest thing since sliced breadthe bee's kneesarchaic:a nonesuch
   • ▪ a standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at: "their intent is to guide and inspire psychologists toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession" Similar modelpatternexemplarexampleparadigmarchetypeprototypecriterionyardstickprinciplestandardrule of livingmoral valuebeliefconvictionpersuasionmoralsmoralityethicscode of behaviorcode of honorideologycreedintegrityuprightnesshigh-mindednessrighteousnessvirtueprobityrectitudesense of honorhonordecencyconsciencesense of dutyscruples

   Word Origin late Middle English (as a term in Platonic philosophy, in the sense ‘existing as an archetype’): from late Latin idealis, from Latin idea (see idea).

   Scrabble Points: 6

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › idealIdeal Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › ideal

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   1. : a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence. 2. : one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishIDEAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   IDEAL definition: 1. perfect, or the best possible: 2. a principle or a way of behaving that is of a very high…. Learn more.

4. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishIDEAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   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.

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › idealIdeal - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › ideal

   An ideal is a model of something perfect or without equal. As an adjective, ideal describes this ultimate standard for excellence, or something that exists only as an idea.

6. www.dictionary.com › browse › idealIDEAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › ideal

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   an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character: He refuses to compromise any of his ideals. Synonyms: objective, intention. something that exists only in the imagination: To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishideal adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Definition of ideal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

8. www.britannica.com › dictionary › idealIdeal Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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   : someone or something that is believed to be perfect : someone or something that you admire and want to imitate. She considers the actress her ideal. IDEAL meaning: exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person perfect.

9. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishMeaning of ideal – Learner’s Dictionary - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   noun. uk / aɪˈdɪəl / us. ideal noun (BELIEF) a belief about the way you think something should be: democratic ideals. They are committed to the ideal of equality. ideal noun (PERFECT) a perfect thing or situation: The ideal would be to have a house in the country and an apartment in the city too.

10. www.oed.com › dictionary › ideal_adjideal, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more - Oxford English...

    www.oed.com › dictionary › ideal_adj

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    What does the word ideal mean? There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word ideal. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. ideal has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. philosophy (Middle English) mathematics (1860s) geometry (1870s) See meaning & use. How common is the word ideal?

11. www.thefreedictionary.com › idealIdeal - definition of ideal by The Free Dictionary

    www.thefreedictionary.com › ideal

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    1. Conforming to a standard of perfection or excellence; perfect or highly satisfactory: an ideal work environment. 2. a. Existing only in the mind; imaginary: an ideal world where everything works out fine. b. Lacking practicality or the possibility of realization: an ideal notion of how businesses are run. 3. Philosophy. a.