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idealism

Pronunciation: /ʌɪˈdɪəlɪz(ə)m, -ˈdiːə-/
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Definition of idealism

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection:the idealism of youthCompare with realism.
  • (in art or literature) the representation of things in ideal or idealized form. Often contrasted with realism (sense 2).
  • 2 Philosophy any of various systems of thought in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of mind. Often contrasted with realism (sense 3).

Origin:

late 18th century (in idealism (sense 2)): from French idéalisme or German Idealismus, from late Latin idealis (see ideal)

idealism in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of idealism in the US English dictionary

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