ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

a

: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly

b

: for best results

ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant

—T. M. Martinez

c

: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically

2

: in relation to an exemplar

3

: in idea or imagination : mentally

Synonyms

• faultlessly
• flawlessly
• immaculately
• impeccably
• pat
• perfectly

Examples of ideally in a Sentence

His skills made him ideally suited for the job.

They were ideally suited to one another.

The ski slope was situated ideally.

Recent Examples on the Web

But a fight in the Pacific is not the only scenario the United States must be prepared for (and, ideally, deter), and readiness in other arenas will require addressing other deficiencies. —Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024

In fact, your company values should ideally guide the development, deployment and use of any technology in the organization. —Eric Miquelon, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts say hurricanes need 80-degree water, ideally, to fuel their organization and expansion. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024

The Saatva Classic comes in two thicknesses, one of which (the 11.5-inch) is ideally sized for Murphy beds. —Lindsay Boyers, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly

ideally suited to the job

2

: for best results

ideally, each student should arrive early