n. | 1. | The quality or state of being ideal. |
2. | Conception of the ideal; imagery. | |
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. | |
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 | |
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 |
Noun | 1. | idealism - (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality |
2. | idealism - impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are | |
3. | idealism - elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued Synonyms: high-mindedness, noble-mindedness |