idealism
/aɪˈdiːəˌlɪzəm/
NOUN
1. Having high ideals and optimistic principles
The quality or attitude of pursuing high moral, social, or personal ideals, often with strong faith in human goodness and the possibility of achieving a better world, sometimes without sufficient regard for practical limitations.
1.1. Moral principles and noble aspirations
A commitment to high ethical standards, honesty, generosity, and the pursuit of what is considered morally right or worthwhile.
Synonyms
- high-mindedness
- nobility
- morality
- virtue
- integrity
- chivalry
- magnanimity
- generosity
- sincerity
Antonyms
- cynicism
- dishonesty
- deviousness
- insincerity
Examples
- Despite facing numerous challenges, his relentless pursuit of justice reflected a deep-seated idealism.
- The political leader's speeches were filled with a fervent commitment to the principles of idealism.
Related Words
- ethics
- honor
- principles
- righteousness
- altruism
- selflessness
- conscience
1.2. Optimism and hopefulness
A hopeful outlook that emphasizes positive possibilities, confidence in people, and the expectation that circumstances can improve.
Synonyms
- optimism
- hope
- hopefulness
- sanguinity
- sanguineness
- buoyancy
- cheerfulness
- positivism
Antonyms
- pessimism
- cynicism
- gloom
- hopelessness
- discouragement
Examples
- She approached life with a sense of idealism, believing in the inherent goodness of people.
- The novel portrayed a world where the characters clung to a fragile sense of idealism in the face of harsh realities.
Related Words
- enthusiasm
- confidence
- expectation
- encouragement
- good cheer
- looking on the bright side
- rose-colored glasses
1.3. Innocence and lack of worldly experience
An optimistic or trusting attitude arising from limited experience of practical difficulties, harsh realities, or human shortcomings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- cynicism
- sophistication
- worldliness
- knowingness
Examples
- The young activist's idealism sometimes made it difficult for him to recognize the political compromises involved in reform.
Related Words
- inexperience
- callowness
- greenness
- gullibility
- impracticality
- impressionability
- unworldliness
- simplemindedness
NOUN
2. The treatment of things according to ideal standards
The practice of representing people, objects, or situations according to idealized forms or standards of perfection rather than depicting them exactly as they appear in reality.
2.1. Idealization in art and literature
The representation of subjects in an elevated, perfected, or idealized form, emphasizing beauty, excellence, or desirable qualities.
Synonyms
- idealization
- perfection
- excellence
- faultlessness
- impeccability
- exquisiteness
- arete
Antonyms
Examples
- As a young artist, her paintings were imbued with a sense of vibrant idealism that captivated viewers.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A philosophical doctrine centered on ideas and consciousness
A philosophical approach asserting that ideas, mental representations, or consciousness are fundamental to knowledge and the understanding or nature of reality.
3.1. Philosophy of ideas and mental representations
The philosophical position that knowledge of reality is fundamentally mediated by ideas or mental pictures rather than obtained directly from external objects as they exist independently of the mind.
Synonyms
- philosophical idealism
Antonyms
Examples
- The professor introduced idealism as a philosophical approach to understanding the relationship between the mind and reality.
Related Words
- metaphysics
- epistemology
- consciousness
- mental representation
- subjectivity
- mind
- perception
- philosophy