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idealism

idealism
Noun

This term describes a pursuit of perfection that often clashes with pragmatic reality. It carries a dual connotation: positively, it represents high moral aspiration and visionary thinking; negatively, it suggests a naive or unrealistic detachment from the way the world actually functions.

In a philosophical context, the word shifts from a personality trait to a formal metaphysical system. Here, it refers to the primacy of the mind or spirit over material substance, suggesting that the external world is dependent on consciousness.

Meanings

Nounidealism

The practice of forming or pursuing goals based on a vision of perfection or high moral standards, often regardless of practical constraints.

Her youthful idealism led her to believe she could end world hunger in a single year.

Nounidealism

The philosophical theory that reality is mentally constructed or otherwise immaterial, asserting that ideas and thoughts are the primary substance of existence.

Platonic idealism suggests that the physical world is a mere shadow of a higher realm of perfect forms.

Examples

He has a lot of idealism.

Idealism is a good thing.

Her idealism is very strong.

My idealism faded after a few years.

She believes in pure idealism.

His idealism made him very happy.

The student council is full of youthful idealism.

School Life

Their idealism clashed with the harsh reality of war.

History

I admire your idealism but we need a plan.

Romance

The CEO warned that blind idealism can bankrupt a company.

Business

He struggled to reconcile his idealism with political compromise.

History

The lecture explored the nuances of transcendental idealism.

Trivia

Related Words

optimismutopianismromanticismpragmatismrealismcynicismidealistutopiaperfectionphilosophyprinciplevision
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error