i·de·al / īˈdē(ə)l/ • adj. 1. satisfying one's conception of what is perfect; most suitable: the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip | this is an ideal opportunity to save money. 2. existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality: in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision. ∎  representing an abstract or hypothetical optimum: mathematical modeling can determine theoretically ideal conditions.• n. a person or thing regarded as perfect: you're my ideal of how a man should be. ∎  a standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at: tolerance and freedom, the liberal ideals.DERIVATIVES: i·de·al·ly adv.

ideal. Concept of something perfect, sometimes equated with works that attempt to reproduce the best of natural forms but improve upon them, ironing out imperfections. In Europe since the Renaissance the ideal has been the art of Classical Antiquity.