1. Conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
   "The ideal solution to the problem eluded them"; "She was considered the ideal candidate for the position"
    
2. Constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception
   "a poem or essay may be typical of its period in idea or ideal content"
    
3. Of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas
   "Plato's ideal theory of forms influenced many subsequent philosophers";
   - idealistic
    
4. Most suitable or appropriate for a purpose
   "The weather was ideal for a picnic"

1. The idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
   "The concept of world peace remains an elusive ideal"
    
2. Model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
   "She was held up as the ideal of academic achievement";
   - paragon, nonpareil, saint, apotheosis, nonesuch [archaic], nonsuch [archaic]

1. An ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
   "To many, Einstein represents the beau idéal of a scientist";
   - paragon, idol, perfection

Derived forms: ideals

See also: abstract, perfect

Type of: idea, model, role model, thought

Encyclopedia: Ideal, Illinois