IDEALISM

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does idealism mean? 

• IDEALISM (noun)
  The noun IDEALISM has 3 senses:

1. (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality

2. impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are

3. elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued

  Familiarity information: IDEALISM used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IDEALISM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("idealism" is a kind of...):

philosophical doctrine; philosophical theory (a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy)

Domain category:

philosophy (the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics)

Derivation:

idealistic (of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Hypernyms ("idealism" is a kind of...):

impracticality (concerned with theoretical possibilities rather than actual use)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "idealism"):

romanticism (impractical romantic ideals and attitudes)

knight errantry; quixotism (quixotic (romantic and impractical) behavior)

Derivation:

idealist (someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

high-mindedness; idealism; noble-mindedness

Hypernyms ("idealism" is a kind of...):

grandeur; magnanimousness; nobility; nobleness (the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct)

Derivation:

idealist (someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations)

idealistic (of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style)

 Context examples 

I halted. How could I explain my idealism to this man?

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Idealism had never attracted Martin, but the exposition it now received at the hands of Norton was a revelation.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Idealism led him to philosophic anarchy, and his family threw him off.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

I never appreciated idealism before.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)