idealism

/ˌˈaɪˌˈdi(ə)ˈlɪzəm/

/aɪˈdɪəlɪzəm/

Other forms: idealisms

Idealism, as "noble-mindedness," is the belief that we should always strive for our highest ideals. Sometimes, though, idealism is a sort of incurable optimism.

It's one thing if you always pursue high-minded goals and right conduct — one definition of idealism. Just be careful to not get so caught up that you fail to see things as they really are — you don't want to go through life "wearing rose-colored glasses" — yet another definition of idealism. In philosophy, idealism is the theory that ideas are the only reality.

Definitions of idealism

1. noun

   elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
   synonyms: high-mindedness, noble-mindedness

   type of:

   grandeur, magnanimousness, nobility, nobleness

   the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct
2. noun

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

   romanticism

   impractical romantic ideals and attitudes

   knight errantry, quixotism

   quixotic (romantic and impractical) behavior

   type of:

   impracticality

   concerned with theoretical possibilities rather than actual use
3. noun

   (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality
   type of:

   philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

   a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy