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

Discipline and idealism are not on your current list of desires. —Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Oct. 2024

Who doesn’t love Bart Simpson's mischievous nature or Lisa Simpson's thoughtful idealism? —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

There was an idealism to The West Wing, which Aaron Sorkin was interviewed last week and said that that wouldn’t ring as true today. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

This shift challenges the age-old political adage that youthful idealism gives way to conservative pragmatism with age. —Carol Bishop Mills, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 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