ideally
eye-DEER-lee
Ideally (adv) means In the best or most perfect way possible. Example: “Ideally, the team would finish the project a week early.”
adv
1
In the best or most perfect way possible.
"Ideally, the team would finish the project a week early."
"You should ideally back up your files before updating the software."
"The room should ideally be quiet, with plenty of natural light for studying."
2
In a way that only exists as an idea or theory, not in practice.
"Ideally speaking, the plan makes sense, but reality rarely cooperates."
How to use ideally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to describe what would happen under perfect conditions.
Common pairings
ideally suited
ideally located
ideally placed
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more ideally
- Superlative
- most ideally
Fill the gap
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_____, the team would finish the project a week early.
Etymology
From ideal + -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ideally
See all rhymes for ideally →Frequently asked questions
What does “ideally” mean?
The word “ideally” means in the best or most perfect way possible. In plain terms, used to describe what would happen under perfect conditions.
How do you pronounce “ideally”?
“Ideally” is pronounced eye-DEER-lee (/aɪˈdi.ə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “ideally” in a sentence?
Here is “ideally” used in a sentence: “Ideally, the team would finish the project a week early.”
What is the opposite of “ideally”?
The opposite of “ideally” — its antonyms — is nonideally.
What part of speech is “ideally”?
“Ideally” is an adverb.
Is “ideally” a common word?
“Ideally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ideally” have?
“Ideally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the best or most perfect way possible.
What is the difference between "ideally" and "theoretically"?
"Ideally" can mean either in the best or most perfect way possible, or in a way that only exists as an idea or theory rather than in practice, which overlaps with "theoretically." However, "ideally" more often expresses a preferred best-case outcome, while "theoretically" more neutrally describes something considered in theory without necessarily implying it's the best option.
How is "ideally" used at the start of a sentence?
When placed at the start of a sentence, "ideally" typically signals the speaker's preferred or best-case scenario before acknowledging that reality may differ, as in "Ideally, we'd finish today." This usage sets up an expectation that practical constraints may follow.
Does "ideally" always imply something won't actually happen?
Not necessarily. "Ideally" can simply describe the best or most perfect way of doing something without implying failure, but its second sense specifically marks something as existing only in theory rather than practice. Which meaning applies depends on the surrounding context.
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