Definitions for idealism

• Definition
• Anagrams (375)

idealism i·de·al·ism

Spelling: [ahy-dee-uh-liz-uh m]

IPA: /aɪˈdi əˌlɪz əm/

Idealism is a 8 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 13 points.

You can make 375 anagrams from letters in idealism (adeiilms).

Definitions for idealism

noun

1. the cherishing or pursuit of high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.
2. the practice of idealizing.
3. something idealized; an ideal representation.
4. Fine Arts. treatment of subject matter in a work of art in which a mental conception of beauty or form is stressed, characterized usually by the selection of particular features of various models and their combination into a whole according to a standard of perfection. Compare naturalism (def 2), realism (def 3a).
5. Philosophy. any system or theory that maintains that the real is of the nature of thought or that the object of external perception consists of ideas. the tendency to represent things in an ideal form, or as they might or should be rather than as they are, with emphasis on values.

Origin of idealism

1790-1800; ideal + -ism, probably modeled on German Idealismus

Examples for idealism

From the very beginning, the American people have been characterized by idealism.

For Moses, the idealism of Freedom Summer was inseparable from the practical task of making it work.

All Americans have witnessed this idealism, and some for the first time.

Both followed wars; people were tired of idealism and self-sacrifice and were determined to enjoy a self- indulgent materialism.

Today, we still believe that wisdom in politics above all counsels realism as to means and idealism as to ends.

But this romanticism is, as it were, a segment of the larger circle of idealism.

When you confuse it with ethics or idealism, then you get into murky territory.

The characteristic attitude of the American mind, as we have seen, is one of idealism.

TR reinvigorated the office after a succession of grey presidents with his unself-conscious energy, idealism and determination.

idealism was not very popular, he said, but thank God he was an idealist.