Meaning

Pertaining to ideas, or to a given idea..

Definitions by Sense

1. Pertaining to ideas, or to a given idea.
2. Existing only in the mind; conceptual, imaginary.
3. Optimal; being the best possibility.
4. Perfect, flawless, having no defects.
5. Teaching or relating to the doctrine of idealism.
6. (mathematics) Not actually present, but considered as present when limits at infinity are included.
7. A perfect standard of beauty, intellect etc., or a standard of excellence to aim at.
8. (algebra, ring theory) A two-sided ideal; a subset of a ring which is closed under both left and right multiplication by elements of the ring.

Example Sentences

The idea of ghosts is ridiculous in the extreme; and if you continue to be swayed by ideal terrors —

Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.

At first, he began to doubt the reality of his adventures, but the acute pain in his shoulders when he attempted to rise, assured him that the kicking of the goblins was certainly not ideal.

1751 April 13, Samuel Johnson, The Rambler, Number 112, reprinted in 1825, The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., Volume 1, Jones & Company, page 194, There will always be a wide interval between practical and ideal excellence; […] .

the ideal theory or philosophy

ideal point

An ideal triangle in the hyperbolic disk is one bounded by three geodesics that meet precisely on the circle.

Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny - Carl Schurz

Word Forms

• more ideal
• most ideal
• ideals

Synonyms for ideal

Antonyms for ideal

Related Words

When Should You Use Ideal?

Use ideal when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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