Ideals
aɪˈdiːəlz
Definitions
Principles or values that one believes in and strives to achieve, often representing perfection or a standard of excellence.
aɪˈdiːəlz
Principles or values held by a person or group
She held onto her ideals of equality, even in the face of adversity.
💡 Simply: Imagine your dream self – that's like having ideals! They're the best version of yourself, the things you really believe in and want to be true in the world. Like, if you have an ideal of being super kind to everyone, you try to be as nice as possible.
👶 For kids: Ideals are like your best wishes for how things should be, or the things you think are really important and good.
More Examples
The company's ideals of innovation and customer service were central to its success.
Their political ideals clashed, making it difficult to find common ground.
How It's Used
"The philosopher discussed the importance of upholding moral ideals."
"The politician campaigned on a platform of social ideals."
"She strives to live up to her personal ideals of kindness and generosity."
Idioms & expressions
High ideals
Lofty or noble principles or values.
"The organization was founded on high ideals of social justice."
Ideal world
A hypothetical place or state where everything is perfect or nearly so.
"In an ideal world, everyone would be treated fairly."
From French *idéal*, from Latin *idealis* (“ideal, intellectual”), from Greek *ἰδέα* (idea, “form, pattern”).
The concept of 'ideals' has existed for centuries, reflecting human aspirations for perfection and the pursuit of a better world. It appears in philosophical and literary texts since the Enlightenment.
Memory tip
Think of "ideal" as the "idea" of something perfect, like a goal you're striving for.