English Lexicon

Idealism

/ˈaɪ.dɪ.ə.lɪ.zəm/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.

    "His youthful idealism faded after years of working in politics."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'idealism' originates from the late 18th century, derived from the French 'idéalisme', which itself comes from the Greek word 'idea' meaning 'form' or 'pattern'. The philosophical concept evolved to emphasize the importance of ideals and mental constructs over material reality.

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