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ideal

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ideal

Main Entry:: ¹ide·al
Pronunciation:: \ī-ˈdē(-ə)l, ˈī-ˌ\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea
Date:: 15th century

1: existing as an archetypal idea2 a: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only ; broadly : lacking practicality b: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions3 a: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal <ideal beauty> b: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect <an ideal gas> — compare real 2b(3)4: of or relating to philosophical idealism

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