ideal

Everyday

1. (adjective) Perfect, or the best possible for something: an ideal day for a picnic. tree →
2. (adjective) Existing only in the mind, not real: In an ideal world, nobody would be hungry. tree →
3. (noun) A belief or aim of how things should be: the ideals of fairness and freedom. tree →
4. (noun) A person or thing that is perfect: She is my ideal of a good teacher. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you pick the ideal spot or present; in science «ideal conditions» are the best ones for a plant or experiment; in social studies people fight for their ideals. Phrases: «ideal for», «in an ideal world», «the ideal place», «high ideals».

Examples

• It's an ideal day for flying kites. tree →
• This box is ideal for storing toys. tree →
• In an ideal world, everyone would have clean water. tree →
• Fairness is one of our school's ideals. tree →
• Plants grow fast in ideal conditions. tree →
• What would your ideal holiday be? tree →
• The theatre was his ideal world. tree →

Note

«An ideal» (vowel sound). Adverb: ideally. Not the same as «idea» (a thought). Say «eye-DEE-ul».

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Kalisch reads Sefer Yetzirah as saying that the ideal, spiritual world became more dense and solid through stages called emanations. In the primary lessons: In everyday life you pick the ideal spot or present; in science «ideal conditions» are the best ones for a plant or experiment; in social studies people fight for their ideals. Phrases: «ideal for», «in an ideal world», «the ideal place», «high ideals».

Examples

• He endeavors to show how the ideal became, after numerous emanations, more condensed, palpable and concrete. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

«An ideal» (vowel sound). Adverb: ideally. Not the same as «idea» (a thought). Say «eye-DEE-ul».