ideal

 
Pronunciation: /ʌɪˈdɪəl, ʌɪˈdiːəl/

adjective

  • 1satisfying one’s conception of what is perfect; most suitable: the swimming pool is ideal for a quick dip this is an ideal opportunity to save money
  • 2 [attributive] existing only in the imagination; desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality: in an ideal world, we might have made a different decision
  • representing an abstract or hypothetical optimum: mathematical modelling can determine theoretically ideal conditions

noun

  • a person or thing regarded as perfect: you’re my ideal of how a man should be
  • a standard or principle to be aimed at: tolerance and freedom, the liberal ideals

Origin:

late Middle English (as a term in Platonic philosophy, in the sense 'existing as an archetype'): from late Latin idealis, from Latin idea (see idea)