idealism
B2Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The belief that ideas, values, and principles are the most important things, often leading to behavior or policies based on high moral standards or the pursuit of a perfect vision, rather than on practical or realistic considerations.
1. (Philosophy) The metaphysical theory that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, and that ideas are the primary objects of knowledge. 2. A tendency to see things in an ideal, often unrealistic, form.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Idealism contrasts with "realism" and "pragmatism." It often carries a positive connotation of moral integrity and vision but can be used pejoratively to denote naivety or impracticality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in denotation. Usage is consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used positively (e.g., 'youthful idealism') in British discourse, while American discourse may more readily pair it with 'naive' or 'starry-eyed'.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both academic and general discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Idealism about [NOUN PHRASE]Idealism of [NOUN PHRASE/PERSON][VERB] one's idealismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pie in the sky (as a contrast to idealism)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used critically: 'His business plan was dismissed as mere idealism.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, political science, literature: 'Kant's transcendental idealism.'
Everyday
Used to describe character or motivation: 'She hasn't lost her idealism despite the setbacks.'
Technical
Specific meaning in philosophy (vs. materialism) and international relations (vs. realism).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No direct verb form. Use phrases like 'to idealise'.
American English
- No direct verb form. Use phrases like 'to idealize'.
adverb
British English
- He spoke idealistically about reforming the system.
American English
- They idealistically believed everyone would cooperate.
adjective
British English
- His idealistic views were charming but impractical.
American English
- She gave an idealistic speech about world peace.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His idealism made him believe everyone was good.
- She lost some of her idealism after working in politics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IDEAlism is about holding onto the perfect IDEA, even when reality disagrees.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEALS ARE LIGHT/HIGH GROUND (e.g., 'a beacon of idealism', 'he took the high ground').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'идеализм' (philosophical term) only. English 'idealism' is used much more broadly for personal character and political stance.
- The adjective 'idealistic' is more common than 'идеалистический'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'idealist' (noun) when 'idealism' (abstract noun) is needed. Incorrect: 'He is full of idealist.' Correct: 'He is full of idealism.'
Practice
Quiz
In a philosophical context, idealism is primarily contrasted with:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It can be positive (admirable principles) or negative (unrealistic, naive).
Idealism is about pursuing high principles or perfect ideals. Optimism is simply a general expectation that things will turn out well.
Yes, especially to describe someone's character or motives (e.g., 'I admire your idealism, but we have to be practical.').
The theory that reality is essentially mental or spiritual, and that the physical world is dependent on or shaped by the mind.
Collections
Part of a collection
High-Level Idiomatic Expressions
C2 · 45 words · Sophisticated idiomatic and nuanced vocabulary.
Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.