ideal

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Beau ideal. See Beau ideal. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Destitute of an idea. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Same as idealization. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. 1. Same as idealize. [ Chiefly Brit. ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Cf. F. idéalisme. ] 1. The quality or state of being ideal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Conception of the ideal; imagery. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Philos.) The system or theory that denies the existence of material bodies, and teaches that we have no rational grounds to believe in the reality of anything but ideas and their relations. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or character to things; treatment of things in art or literature according to ideal standards or patterns; -- opposed to realism. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

5. a belief in the feasibility of the implementation of ideal principles and noble goals, and the practice or habit of pursuing such goals; -- opposed to realism and cynicism. [ PJC ]

n. [ Cf. F. idéaliste. ] 1. One who idealizes; one who forms picturesque fancies; one given to romantic expectations. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who holds the doctrine of idealism, in any sense. In senses 4 and 5 of idealism, opposed to realist. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

a. Of or pertaining to idealists or their theories. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Idealities 1. The quality or state of being ideal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The capacity to form ideals of beauty or perfection. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Phren.) The conceptive faculty. [ 1913 Webster ]