# ideally

/aɪˈdiɫi/ (US) · /aɪdˈiəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ideally
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. preferably

adverb · CEFR B2

used to say what you would like to happen if everything were perfect.

For teachers: used to indicate the most desirable or preferred outcome, often acknowledging that reality may differ.

- Ideally, we would like to finish the project by Friday, but Monday is also okay.
- Ideally, the candidate should possess at least five years of experience in international law, though we are willing to consider exceptional junior applicants.

Usage: often used at the beginning of a sentence to set a condition.

### 2. perfectly

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is perfect or exactly right for a situation.

For teachers: in an ideal manner; perfectly suited to a specific purpose or set of requirements.

- The small cottage was ideally located near the beach and the local shops.
- The new software is ideally suited for small businesses that require robust accounting features without the complexity of enterprise-level systems.

Usage: frequently modifies adjectives or verbs to show a perfect fit.

## Examples

- Ideally, we should arrive before the meeting starts.
- Ideally, the new software will be compatible with all our existing hardware to avoid extra costs.
- While the project can proceed with a smaller team, ideally we would recruit two more specialists to ensure the deadline is met without compromising quality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.