Syn. — Notion; conception; thought; sentiment; fancy; image; perception; impression; opinion; belief; observation; judgment; consideration; view; design; intention; purpose; plan; model; pattern. There is scarcely any other word which is subjected to such abusive treatment as is the word idea, in the very general and indiscriminative way in which it is employed, as it is used variously to signify almost any act, state, or content of thought.
IDEAL
I*de"al, a. Etym: [L. idealis: cf. F. idéal.]
1. Existing in idea or thought; conceptional; intellectual; mental; as, ideal knowledge.
2. Reaching an imaginary standard of excellence; fit for a model; faultless; as, ideal beauty. Byron. There will always be a wide interval between practical and ideal excellence. Rambler.
3. Existing in fancy or imagination only; visionary; unreal. "Planning ideal common wealth." Southey.
4. Teaching the doctrine of idealism; as, the ideal theory or philosophy.
5. (Math.)
Defn: Imaginary.
Syn. — Intellectual; mental; visionary; fanciful; imaginary; unreal; impracticable; utopian.
IDEAL
I*de"al, n.