ideal
ideal Lexical Profile
ideal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Satisfying one's conception of what is perfect; most suitable or desirable.
"The quiet coastal town was an ideal location for writing her novel."
Existing only in the imagination or as a theoretical concept; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality.
"In an ideal world, every student would have access to personalized tutoring."
• noun
A person or thing regarded as a standard or model of perfection and excellence.
"Her grandmother's lifelong dedication to community service remained her highest ideal."
A noble principle, standard, or ethical goal to which one aspires.
"The organization was founded on the democratic ideals of equality and justice."
In abstract algebra, a special subset of a ring that is closed under addition and absorbs multiplication by any element of the ring.
"In ring theory, every kernel of a ring homomorphism forms a two-sided ideal."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'ideal' (meaning perfect or a standard of perfection) with 'idea' (a thought or suggestion) or the homophone-adjacent 'idle' (meaning inactive or lazy).
• Rhymes for ideal
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Middle French idéal or Late Latin idealis ('existing in idea or archetype'), derived from Latin idea and Ancient Greek idea ('form, pattern'), from the root idein ('to see').