Dictionary definitions
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ideal
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ideal \I*de"al\, n.
A mental conception regarded as a standard of perfection; a
model of excellence, beauty, etc.
[1913 Webster]
The ideal is to be attained by selecting and assembling
in one whole the beauties and perfections which are
usually seen in different individuals, excluding
everything defective or unseemly, so as to form a type
or model of the species. Thus, the Apollo Belvedere is
the ideal of the beauty and proportion of the human
frame. --Fleming.
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Beau ideal. See Beau ideal.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ideal \I*de"al\, a. [L. idealis: cf. F. id['e]al.]
1. Existing in idea or thought; conceptional; intellectual;
mental; as, ideal knowledge.
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2. Reaching an imaginary standard of excellence; fit for a
model; faultless; as, ideal beauty. --Byron.
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There will always be a wide interval between
practical and ideal excellence. --Rambler.
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3. Existing in fancy or imagination only; visionary; unreal.
"Planning ideal common wealth." --Southey.
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4. Teaching the doctrine of idealism; as, the ideal theory or
philosophy.
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5. (Math.) Imaginary.
Syn: Intellectual; mental; visionary; fanciful; imaginary;
unreal; impracticable; utopian.
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