idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

a

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

b

: something that is idealized

2

a(1)

: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena

(2)

: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason

b(1)

: a theory that only the perceptible is real

(2)

: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable

3

: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism

Examples of idealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today’s young adults—so often stereotyped as quiet-quitters and socialist revolutionaries, driven by idealism and fixated on self-care—may seem a far cry from the suspenders-wearing yuppies of the Reagan era. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Aug. 2024

Like their predecessors, modern-day pirates may be driven more by economic desperation than by any swashbuckling idealism. —The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024

There’s Goudreau, whose stated idealism undeniably was only part of why he got involved with these various figures’ plot to send a platoon of dissidents into Caracas to topple the government — the fact he was offered over $200 million for the mission was certainly a huge part of it. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2024

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Thoughtfully researching some topic that stimulates your idealism could be especially rewarding today. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Kids Definition

idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

idealist

-(ə-)ləst

noun

idealistic

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik

ˌī-dē-

adjective

idealistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb