noun
idealist
Idealist (noun) means someone who holds onto high principles or a vision of how things ought to be, sometimes at the expense of practicality. Example: “The young idealist believed the whole company could be run without layoffs.”
noun
1
Someone who holds onto high principles or a vision of how things ought to be, sometimes at the expense of practicality.
"The young idealist believed the whole company could be run without layoffs."
"Critics called her an idealist, but her reforms actually worked."
How to use idealist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person driven by principles and how things "should" be, rather than by what is practical or realistic.
Common mistake
Not automatically an insult — it can mean principled and hopeful, or naively unrealistic, depending on context.
Common pairings
a hopeless idealist
young idealist
idealist at heart
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Word forms
- Plural
- idealists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The young _____ believed the whole company could be run without layoffs.
Etymology
From French idéaliste, ultimately from Latin idea, "idea" — someone chasing the ideal rather than the real.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for idealist
realist
vocalist
finalist
loyalist
medalist
socialist
herbalist
mentalist
capitalist
journalist
specialist
naturalist
See all rhymes for idealist →
Frequently asked questions
What does “idealist” mean?
The word “idealist” means someone who holds onto high principles or a vision of how things ought to be, sometimes at the expense of practicality. In plain terms, a person driven by principles and how things "should" be, rather than by what is practical or realistic.
How do you use “idealist” in a sentence?
Here is “idealist” used in a sentence: “The young idealist believed the whole company could be run without layoffs.”
What part of speech is “idealist”?
“Idealist” is a noun.
Where does the word “idealist” come from?
The word “idealist” comes from Latin. From French idéaliste, ultimately from Latin idea, "idea" — someone chasing the ideal rather than the real.
