idealistic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
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anti-idealisticadjective
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hyperidealisticadjective
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nonidealisticadjective
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overidealisticadjective
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quasi-idealisticadjective
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unidealisticadjective
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anti-idealisticallyadverb
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hyperidealisticallyadverb
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idealisticallyadverb
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nonidealisticallyadverb
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quasi-idealisticallyadverb
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unidealisticallyadverb
Etymology
Origin of idealistic
Explanation
When you're idealistic, you dream of perfection, whether in yourself or other people. For example, you might have the idealistic goal of bringing an end to childhood poverty in the world. The adjective idealistic describes someone whose plans or goals of helping others are lofty, grand, and possibly unrealistic. Do you think world peace is within reach? You're idealistic. If your vision of the world is idealistic, you believe all problems can be solved and that all people can reach their full potential. Idealistic comes from the Greek idea, or "ideal prototype."
Vocabulary lists containing idealistic
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yes, he was idealistic and altruistic and earnestly committed to saving lives and making life better.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 4, 2026
The 14th Amendment is part of what made such visions — however idealistic — possible.
From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026
"Martian was once idealistic and full of hope, then his moral compass gets eroded by the things he has to do and the sacrifices that go into it."
From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026
“It was a very idealistic era,” Heyward said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
Others, perhaps more idealistic, maintain that police supervision on an increased scale is driving the houses out of existence.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
