idealistic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
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anti-idealisticadjective
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anti-idealisticallyadverb
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hyperidealisticadjective
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hyperidealisticallyadverb
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idealisticallyadverb
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nonidealisticadjective
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nonidealisticallyadverb
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overidealisticadjective
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quasi-idealisticadjective
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quasi-idealisticallyadverb
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unidealisticadjective
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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.
Kevin came to Washington all those years ago as an outsider, an idealistic young man determined to serve his country, who succeeded beyond all expectations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
But Kornev is young and infused with an idealistic zeal, refusing to let these goons stonewall him.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
Which is certainly an admirable approach, albeit a rather idealistic strategy in a state of nearly 23 million voters, spread over roughly 800 miles from north to south.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026
I would chose instead someone young, idealistic, someone on the physical model of Jared Kushner, perhaps.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
Those who are less idealistic embrace colorblindness simply because they find it difficult to imagine a society in which we see race and racial differences yet consistently act in a positive, constructive way.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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.
