ideals
/aɪˈdiːəlz/
NOUN
1. Standards of perfection or excellence
Perfect or highly desirable standards, models, or examples that represent the highest level of quality, beauty, achievement, or excellence to which someone aspires.
1.1. Standards and benchmarks of excellence
Refers to standards or criteria used as models of excellence against which people, achievements, or outcomes are measured.
Synonyms
- standards
- benchmarks
- criteria
- yardsticks
- touchstones
- guidelines
- models
- paragons
- archetypes
- exemplars
Antonyms
- mediocrity
- imperfections
- shortcomings
Examples
- The organization established high ideals for professional conduct.
- Her work reflects the ideals of excellence and precision.
- The school encourages students to pursue academic ideals.
Related Words
- excellence
- perfection
- aspiration
- quality
- achievement
- merit
1.2. Perfect examples and embodiments
Refers to people, objects, or representations regarded as perfect examples of a particular quality, characteristic, or form.
Synonyms
- paragons
- epitomes
- exemplars
- embodiments
- incarnations
- personifications
- prototypes
- archetypes
- personifications
Examples
- The ancient sculptures represented the ideals of classical beauty.
- These historical figures became ideals of courage and leadership.
Related Words
- icons
- role models
- representations
- manifestations
- symbols
- personifications
NOUN
2. Principles and values that guide behavior
Beliefs, principles, and values that individuals or groups consider important and use to guide their decisions, conduct, and way of life.
2.1. Moral and ethical principles
Refers to standards of right and wrong, ethical convictions, and moral values that guide personal conduct and social responsibilities.
Synonyms
- principles
- values
- ethics
- creeds
- beliefs
- tenets
- convictions
- doctrines
Examples
- The community remained committed to its ideals of honesty and compassion.
- Their shared ideals shaped the organization's ethical policies.
- She refused to compromise her ideals despite considerable pressure.
Related Words
2.2. Political and social beliefs
Refers to principles, aspirations, and beliefs about how society, government, or communities should be organized and governed.
Synonyms
- ideologies
- doctrines
- philosophies
- creeds
- beliefs
- principles
Examples
- The political movement was founded on ideals of equality and social justice.
- Different generations may hold different ideals about freedom and responsibility.
Related Words
- worldviews
- political theories
- social movements
- manifestos
- convictions
- politics
2.3. Personal aspirations and guiding goals
Refers to desired goals, ambitions, and visions that individuals hope to achieve or use as direction in their lives.
Synonyms
- aspirations
- aims
- ambitions
- goals
- objectives
- dreams
- purposes
- intentions
Examples
- Her ideals of success included meaningful work and a balanced family life.
- The young entrepreneurs pursued their ideals despite financial difficulties.
Related Words
- hopes
- wishes
- desires
- intentions
- plans
- targets