ideal
Definitions
Perfect or most suitable for a purpose.
理想的，最合适的，完美的。
A standard of perfection or excellence to aim for.
理想，典范，追求的完美标准。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedidea + -al (relating to) = relating to the perfect form. ideal kept the old Platonic sense that everyday 'idea' lost — the flawless model. As an adjective it means 'best possible' (the ideal job); as a noun it means a perfect standard you strive toward.
Root idea still carries 3 more wordsUsage Guide
Watch the homophone trap: ideal /aɪˈdɪəl/ (perfect) and idle /ˈaɪdl/ (not working, lazy) sound close to Chinese ears and are spelled almost the same. 'an idle machine' (sitting unused) is totally different from 'an ideal machine' (perfect). Also note ideal stresses the second syllable (i-DE-al), while idea also stresses it (i-DE-a).
Example Sentences
- 1.
This quiet town is an ideal place to raise children.
- 2.
She seems like the ideal candidate for the job.
- 3.
In an ideal world, no one would go hungry.
- 4.
He never gave up on his ideals.
Easily Confused
ideal vs idle — They sound alike but are unrelated. ideal (adj./n.) = perfect, best (the ideal choice). idle (adj./v.) = not active, unused, or lazy (an idle engine, idle hands). If you mean 'perfect,' it's ideal; if you mean 'doing nothing,' it's idle.
Synonym Comparison
- ideal — perfect for a purpose, the best possible (adj.); a perfect standard (n.)
- perfect — flawless, with nothing to improve
- optimal — the best achievable given the conditions, often technical
- model — serving as an example to copy (a model student)
- best — simply the highest-ranked, most general