i·de·al (?-d???l, ?-d?l?)n.1. A conception of something in its absolute perfection: the ideal of national unity.2. One that is regarded as a standard or model of perfection or excellence: The restaurant is considered the ideal in fine dining.3. An ultimate or worthy object of endeavor; a goal: “those who regarded even a rhetorical commitment to the ideal of disarmament as irresponsibly utopian” (James Carroll).adj.1. Conforming to a standard of perfection or excellence; perfect or highly satisfactory: an ideal work environment.2. a. Existing only in the mind; imaginary: an ideal world where everything works out fine.b. Lacking practicality or the possibility of realization: an ideal notion of how businesses are run.3. Philosophy a. Existing as an archetype or pattern, especially as a Platonic idea or perception: the ideal forms.b. Of or relating to idealism.[From Middle English, pertaining to the divine archetypes of things, from Late Latin ide?lis, from Latin idea, idea; see idea.]Synonyms: ideal, exemplar, model, standard, pattern These nouns refer to someone or something worthy of imitation or duplication. An ideal represents a sometimes unattainable level of perfection: “Comic book heroes played a major part in shaping my boyhood ideal of manliness” (Theodore Roszak). An exemplar, like a model, serves as a worthy example by being the best or most admirable of its class: “He is indeed the perfect exemplar of all nobleness” (Jane Porter).”Our fellow countryman is a model of a man” (Charles Dickens). A standard is a basis of comparison or judgment: “Alexander’s conquests created a legend that would provide the standard by which other leaders measured their careers” (Eugene N. Borza). A pattern is an example worthy of imitation by reason of being an original or essential form of something: “I will be the pattern of all patience” (Shakespeare).American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.ideal (a??d??l) n1. a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain2. a person or thing considered to represent perfection: he’s her ideal. 3. something existing only as an idea4. a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviouradj5. conforming to an ideal6. of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea7. (Philosophy) philosophy a. of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairsb. of or relating to idealism ideality n i?deally adv i?dealness nCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014i?de?al (a??di ?l, a??dil) n. 1. a conception of something in its perfection. 2. a standard of perfection or excellence. 3. a person or thing conceived as embodying such a conception or standard and taken as a model for imitation. 4. an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, esp. one of high or noble character: to compromise one’s ideals. 5. something that exists only in the imagination. adj. 6. conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence: ideal beauty. 7. regarded as perfect of its kind: an ideal spot for a home. 8. existing only in the imagination; not real or actual. 9. excellent; best. 10. based upon an ideal or ideals. 11. Philos. a. pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable. b. pertaining to or of the nature of idealism. [1605?15;