Idealist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for someone with a high moral or ethical view of the world, aiming for perfection.

• She was an idealist who believed she could change the world.
• Despite the difficulties, his idealistic views never wavered.

Refers to someone who has impractical or unrealistic plans or goals.

• He's such a dreamer, always lost in his fantasies.
• The story of the dreamer who wanted to build a castle in the sky.

Describes someone who looks at the positive side of situations and expects good outcomes.

• Even in tough times, she's an optimist and believes things will get better.
• John is an optimist who always sees the glass as half full.

Used for someone who is sentimental, idealizes love, or has a flair for the dramatic in matters of the heart.

• He's a romantic, always surprising her with flowers and poetry.
• The movie was about a young romantic who chased after true love.