The spelling of the word "ideal" is straightforward once you understand the phonetics. It is pronounced as /aɪˈdiːəl/ in IPA, which breaks down as follows: the "i" sound is pronounced as a long "i" (/aɪ/), followed by a stressed "dee" sound (/ˈdiː/), and then the schwa sound (/əl/). In other words, the word is pronounced with two syllables - "eye-deel". This can help with both spelling and pronunciation when using the word in speech or writing.
Ideal (adjective) refers to something that is considered to be perfect, most suitable, or the best possible in its kind or category. It embodies the notion of an idealized or perfect version of something.
Ideal is often used to express a standard of excellence or perfection, representing a model or benchmark against which others are evaluated. It typically implies a sense of aspiration, an ultimate goal or desired state that may be difficult to attain but is regarded as the optimal outcome.
In a personal context, ideal may pertain to individual preferences, aspirations, or desires, reflecting what an individual considers to be the ideal characteristics or qualities in a person, situation, or outcome. It can include various attributes such as beauty, intelligence, or behavior that align with an individual's subjective notion of perfection.
In a broader sense, ideal can be applied to societal, ethical, or philosophical concepts, representing an abstract vision or standard that should be pursued or adhered to for the greater good. This may include notions of justice, equality, or fairness, which are considered to be the ideal principles that should govern human interactions and social systems.
The concept of ideal is subjective and may vary from person to person or society to society, as it is influenced by personal beliefs, cultural values, and individual perspectives. Nonetheless, the notion of an ideal serves as a guiding principle or a source of inspiration, inspiring individuals or societies to strive for the best possible outcomes in various realms of life.
Relating to an idea; imaginative; not real.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Existing in idea; mental; unreal.
• A type or standard; an imaginary model of perfection; in painting and sculpture, that which goes beyond nature, yet is modelled upon it; bean ideal, that which unites in one form all the excellences found only in different individual forms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ideal" originated from the Latin word "idealis", which was derived from the Greek word "ideā", meaning "form" or "pattern". In philosophical contexts, the term "ideal" was used to describe a mental conception or representation of something perfect or excellent. Over time, it developed broader meanings, suggesting something being perfect, desirable, or representing the best example of its kind.