I‐de″al (?), a. [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.) Imaginary.
Syn. — Intellectual; mental; visionary; fanciful; imaginary; unreal; impracticable; utopian.