Ideal
aɪˈdiːəl
Definitions
2 meaningsConforming to an abstract standard; representing perfection or excellence.
aɪˈdiːəl
Perfect or most suitable.
This is the ideal solution to the problem.
💡 Simply: Imagine your dream vacation! It's the IDEAL getaway, everything you've ever wanted: sunshine, relaxation, and delicious food.
👶 For kids: Being the best it can be!
More Examples
The ideal outcome would be for everyone to cooperate.
She has an ideal figure for a dancer.
How It's Used
"The ideal temperature for swimming is 80 degrees."
"This is the ideal candidate for the job."
A person or thing regarded as perfect or embodying some ideal or concept.
aɪˈdiːəl
A person or thing regarded as perfect or the best.
She is the ideal of beauty and grace.
💡 Simply: Think of someone you really admire, like a hero or a role model. That person represents your IDEAL – someone you want to be like.
👶 For kids: The best thing ever!
More Examples
He tried to live up to the ideals of his hero.
The painting represents my ideal of a perfect landscape.
How It's Used
"He always strived to live up to his ideal."
"She sets high ideals for herself."
Idioms & expressions
ideal gas
A theoretical gas composed of many randomly moving point particles. This gas does not experience intermolecular forces (attraction or repulsion) and follows the ideal gas law.
"The ideal gas law can be used to approximate the behavior of real gases under certain conditions."
From French idéal, from Latin idealis ('of an idea'), from idea ('idea').
Used since the late 17th century, often in philosophical and artistic contexts to refer to concepts of perfection.
Memory tip
Think of an IDEAL world: perfect, without flaws.
Word Origin
"form, figure, image"