Idealism
noun /aɪˈdɪə.lɪ.z(ə)m/ — The belief that reality is fundamentally mental; or the pursuit of ideals
Definition
In philosophy, the view that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual rather than physical. In everyday usage, the pursuit of high ideals, often in ways that underestimate practical obstacles.
Beyond the definition
The belief in the importance of the ideal over the actual. The philosophical idealist believes mind is primary; the everyday idealist believes that what should be matters more than what is.
Origin & history
From Greek 'idea' (form, look, type) + '-ism'. The philosophy of ideas. Developed by Plato, Descartes, Berkeley, and Kant — each in different ways insisting on the primacy of mind.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Berkeley's idealism: to be is to be perceived — matter exists only insofar as it is experienced by a mind.
The idealism of youth gives way, in most people, to some form of pragmatism — not because ideals are wrong but because reality is complicated.
A healthy idealism holds its ideals clearly while remaining flexible about the path to reach them.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Idealism” when the meaning fits your context: In philosophy, the view that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual rather than physical. In everyday usage, the pursuit of high ideals, often in ways that underestimate practical obstacles.
Synonyms
utopianism, mentalism, optimism, high-mindedness
Antonyms
materialism, pragmatism, realism, cynicism
Related words
Idealism vs pragmatism
Idealism prioritizes high-level values and vision over immediate constraints. Pragmatism prioritizes what is achievable and functional in the real world over abstract ideals.
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Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Joy on Hilltop
An adult stands on a hilltop, arms raised toward the sun, pursuing a high, uninhibited sense of joy and freedom.
The pursuit of such an unburdened, joyous state demonstrates idealism, where the individual strives for a high, perfect standard that often ignores practical limitations.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Idealism" mean?
Idealism is noun meaning: The belief that reality is fundamentally mental; or the pursuit of ideals. In philosophy, the view that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual rather than physical. In everyday usage, the pursuit of high ideals, often in ways that underestimate practical obstacles.
Where does the word "Idealism" come from?
From Greek 'idea' (form, look, type) + '-ism'. The philosophy of ideas. Developed by Plato, Descartes, Berkeley, and Kant — each in different ways insisting on the primacy of mind.