idealism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality
  2. noun impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are
  3. noun elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
    noble-mindedness; high-mindedness.

WordNet


I*de"al*ism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. idéalisme.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being ideal.
  2. Conception of the ideal; imagery.
  3. (Philos.) The system or theory that denies the existence of material bodies, and teaches that we have no rational grounds to believe in the reality of anything but ideas and their relations.

Webster 1913