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

Ask Key Questions: Ask yourself questions like these and carve out time to answer them, ideally, in writing. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Be sure to inspect the diamond carefully—ideally in person, to ensure the bowtie isn’t overly noticeable. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

On the showbiz sections of certain UK newspaper websites, the churn of stories involving Walker, Kilner and Goodman — ideally all three in the same headline for SEO purposes — seems never-ending. —Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

The development would cause increased runoff, city officials noted at the time, which would ideally be maintained by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 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