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

That moment comes near the end of the opera, a brisk two of hours of plot in which Vanessa and Erika, involved in a love triangle with the uncanny Anatol, hold on to idealism and delusion to the point of regret and self-sabotage. —Joshua Barone, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025

Just in time for the most romantic day of the year, Mercury slips into dreamy Pisces on Feb. 14, adding a layer of fantasy and idealism to our thought process, while encouraging us to tune into our emotions. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025

The director continued to dig beneath idealism’s rot for the remainder of his career, and the 1990 premiere of Twin Peaks brought his worldview to a broader swath of viewers. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025

This could result in a sense of idealism and the desire to indulge in luxurious gestures of affection that make your heart skip a beat. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for idealism

• surrealism
• neorealism

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