Word
idealism
Phoneticside·al·ism
US/aɪˈdiɫɪzəm/
UK/aɪdˈiəlɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that you can make the world better or reach a perfect state. It often means focusing on how things should be rather than how they really are.
n. the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially in a way that is unrealistic. In a philosophical context, it refers to any system of thought that emphasizes the central role of the ideal or the spiritual in the interpretation of experience.
Examples
“Her youthful idealism makes her believe she can change the entire world.”
“The politician's idealism was tested when he realized that passing the law required making difficult compromises with his rivals.”
“While critics dismissed the proposal as pure idealism, the architects argued that a vision of a sustainable city was necessary to inspire actual urban reform.”
Examples
simple
“Her youthful idealism makes her believe she can change the entire world.”
contextual
“The politician's idealism was tested when he realized that passing the law required making difficult compromises with his rivals.”
complex
“While critics dismissed the proposal as pure idealism, the architects argued that a vision of a sustainable city was necessary to inspire actual urban reform.”
Usage
Often contrasted with 'realism' or 'pragmatism'.
Etymology
First attested 1796, from ideal + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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