ideal
Satisfying one's conception of what is perfect. / A standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at.
Adjective[C/U] Both
pl: idealssup: more ideal
This word carries a heavy sense of aspiration and theoretical perfection. When used as an adjective, it describes a scenario where every single requirement is met without compromise, often implying a gold standard that is rarely achieved in reality.
As a noun, it shifts toward the philosophical. It represents a mental blueprint or a moral North Star. While a goal is something you expect to reach, an ideal is often a guiding light that remains slightly out of reach, serving as a motivator for continuous improvement rather than a destination.
Countable when referring to specific principles or standards one lives by. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of perfection.
Meanings
Examples
I apologize if my expectations were an unrealistic ideal.
Apology