Ideally: meaning, definitions and examples

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ideally

 

[aษชหˆdษชษ™li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in an ideal manner

In a perfect or most desirable way; ideally is used to describe the best possible situation or outcome.

Synonyms

excellently, optimally, perfectly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ideally

Used when describing the best possible situation or condition. Often employed to express a situation that might not be achievable but is desired.

  • Ideally, we should finish this project by the end of the month
perfectly

Used to describe something done without any mistakes or to stress that something fits exactly what is needed or expected. Sometimes used hyperbolically.

  • The plan worked out perfectly
optimally

Used when referring to the best or most effective way to do something. Usually employed in contexts involving efficiency, performance, or processes.

  • The machine operates optimally at this temperature
excellently

Used to describe something done in a very skillful or talented way. Often used to praise someone's performance or work.

  • She performed excellently in her piano recital

Examples of usage

  • She would ideally like to finish the project by the end of the week.
  • Ideally, we should strive for a work-life balance.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to introduce a desirable or idealistic suggestion

Used to introduce a statement of what should happen or what would be the best thing to do in an ideal situation.

Synonyms

if possible, in a perfect world, preferably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ideally

Appropriate for situations where a perfect or most suitable scenario is being described, often used in discussions about plans or expectations.

  • Ideally, everyone would arrive on time.
  • Ideally, we should finish the project by the end of the month.
preferably

Used to indicate a more desirable option or choice among others, often in situations where multiple possibilities exist.

  • We should meet in the morning, preferably at 9 AM.
  • Bring a jacket, preferably a waterproof one.
if possible

Used to express a preference or condition that is not guaranteed but is desirable if it can be achieved.

  • Let's meet tomorrow, if possible.
  • We'd like to leave early, if possible.
in a perfect world

Typically used in hypothetical or idealistic situations to indicate how things would be if everything were perfect. This phrase often conveys a sense of unattainable perfection.

  • In a perfect world, there would be no poverty.
  • In a perfect world, everyone would get along.

Examples of usage

  • Ideally, we should start the meeting on time.
  • We would ideally want to see more investment in education.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'idea' meaning 'appearance, form, or pattern', reflecting concepts of perfection.
  • It evolved into Middle English as 'ideal', with 'ideally' being formed to describe actions or situations that are perfect or desired.
  • First recorded usage of the term in English dates back to the early 18th century, signifying a shift towards expressing ideals.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, 'ideally' represents concepts of perfection and moral goodness, often discussed in ethics.
  • Plato's theory of forms relates to the ideal; he believed there exists a perfect version of everything we see around us.
  • Philosophers argue that our understanding of 'ideally' is subjective, varying by personal and cultural values, leading to different interpretations.

Pop Culture

  • 'Ideally' is frequently used in movie dialogues to express charactersโ€™ dreams or aspirations, highlighting their desires for perfect outcomes.
  • Numerous self-help books use the term to guide readers toward visualizing their ideal lives or successes.
  • Social media platforms often feature #Ideally to promote posts that showcase peopleโ€™s dreams or aspirations, enhancing engagement.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, thinking of things 'ideally' can fuel motivation, pushing individuals towards achieving their goals.
  • Contrarily, setting 'ideal' standards can lead to frustration or anxiety when real-life situations don't match those expectations.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often challenges 'ideal' thinking patterns to help individuals set more realistic goals.

Education

  • In education, teachers often encourage students to think ideally when setting academic goals, promoting aspiration.
  • Lesson plans may incorporate activities that help students visualize what an ideal project or outcome looks like.
  • Curriculums that emphasize critical thinking often explore the concept of 'ideally' to analyze real-world scenarios against perfect standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "ideally" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น idealmente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคฆเคฐเฅเคถ เคฐเฅ‚เคช เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช idealerweise

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ idealnya

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะดะตะฐะปัŒะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ idealnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็†ๆƒณ็š„ใซใฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท idรฉalement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ idealmente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท idealde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด์ƒ์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุซุงู„ูŠู‹ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ideรกlnฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ideรกlne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็†ๆƒณๆƒ…ๅ†ตไธ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ idealno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญmyndaรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธะดะตะฐะปะดั‹ ั‚าฏั€ะดะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒ“แƒ”แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ideal olaraq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ idealmente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,266, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.