MEANING
1. Someone guided by ideals about how things should be; also, describing that outlook.
2. A supporter of philosophical views that treat mind or ideas as fundamental to reality.
3. An artist or writer who emphasizes ideal qualities rather than presenting life strictly as it is.
Use it for
describing commitment to ideals despite practical obstacles; distinguishing an aspiration from a prediction; comparing ideal-driven and practical approachesSeparates being guided by ideals from a philosophical view of reality or idealizing artistic representation. Academic functions: Theory / Conceptual Language.
Words that belong together
- a political idealist
- a committed idealist
- an idealist outlook
On the page
The idealist defends the goal while acknowledging that current institutions cannot immediately achieve it.
An idealist outlook may motivate reform without supplying a complete implementation plan.
The chapter uses idealist for a view of reality, not simply for an optimistic person.
The philosophical idealist’s argument concerns the role of mind rather than the likelihood of social reform.
The critic calls the novelist an idealist because the portrayal emphasizes exemplary qualities rather than ordinary imperfections.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- idealist
Usage notes
Countable noun: idealist, idealists. Also an adjective meaning idealistic. No routine -er/-est forms; more idealistic is generally clearer for degree. Register: formal. Commonness: moderately common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.