Ideal Word Meaning

late Middle English (as a term in Platonic philosophy, in the sense ‘existing as an archetype’): from late Latin idealis, from Latin idea (see idea)

satisfying one's conception of what is perfect; most suitable

most suitable

• the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip
• this is an ideal opportunity to save money

existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality

perfect but existing only in imagination

• in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision

a person or thing regarded as perfect

perfect person or thing

• you're my ideal of how a man should be