n.
- A conception of something in its absolute perfection.
- One that is regarded as a standard or model of perfection or excellence.
- An ultimate object of endeavor; a goal.
- An honorable or worthy principle or aim.
- Of, relating to, or embodying an ideal.
- Conforming to an ultimate form or standard of perfection or excellence.
- Considered the best of its kind.
- Completely or highly satisfactory: The location of the new house is ideal.
- Existing only in the mind; imaginary.
- Lacking practicality or the possibility of realization.
- Of, relating to, or consisting of ideas or mental images.
- Philosophy.
- Existing as an archetype or pattern, especially as a Platonic idea or perception.
- Of or relating to idealism.
[From Middle English, pertaining to the divine archetypes of things, from Late Latin ideālis, from Latin idea, idea. See idea.]
SYNONYMS ideal, example, exemplar, model, standard, pattern. These nouns refer to someone or something worthy of imitation or duplication. An ideal is a sometimes unattainable standard of perfection: "Religion is the vision of . . . something which is the ultimate ideal, and the hopeless quest" (Alfred North Whitehead). An example can refer to something that is worthy of imitation but can also indicate something that serves as a deterrent or warning: "Our Government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example" (Louis D. Brandeis). An exemplar, like a model, serves as an ideal example by reason of being either very worthy or truly representative of a type, admirable or otherwise: "He is indeed the perfect exemplar of all nobleness" (Jane Porter). "Our fellow countryman is a model of a man" (Charles Dickens). A standard is an established criterion or recognized level of excellence: "It wouldn't be quite fair to test him by our standards" (William Dean Howells). A pattern serves as a model, plan, or guide in the creation of something: "I will be the pattern of all patience" (Shakespeare).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
