WOTW: ideal
| - Tim Lake |
“Ideal” is an adjective and a noun, but the adjective is most common. We use it when we talk about perfect things. Let’s find out more.
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The first meaning of the adjective “ideal” is the something that meets your idea of what is perfect; something that is the best option. This is the most common use.
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+ The pool is ideal for a quick swim after work.
+ My ideal house is surrounded by mountains.
+ I know it isn’t ideal, but it will have to do for today.
+ The weather today is ideal for hiking.
+ It is an ideal place to combine shopping and sightseeing.
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The second meaning of the adjective “ideal” is existing only in the imagination, not real; something perfect but not likely to become reality.
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+ In an ideal world this problem would be easy to solve.
+ I often wonder what my ideal life would be like.
+ Her ideal man doesn’t exist.
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The meaning of the noun “ideal” is a person or thing seen as perfect.
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+ She is his ideal of what a woman should be.
+ The colour and design of the iPhone met his ideal.
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The another meaning of the noun “ideal” is a standard to be aimed at.
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+ The Olympics no longer lives up to its founding ideals.
+ Society’s ideal of beauty is very narrow.
+ The democratic ideal has inspired many to pursue freedom.
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The pronunciation is / aɪˈdɪəl /.
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This word is in the New General Service List, a list of the 3,000 most common words in English communication. You can get the full list on our website by clicking here.
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この単語は、英語で最もよく使われる3,000の単語のリストであるNew General Service Listからのものです。完全なリストはこちらから。
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