What is ideal? Pronunciation and usage in English

ideal means . Learn how to pronounce and use ideal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ideal

idealadjective

/ʌɪˈdɪəl//ʌɪˈdiː(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of ideal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ideal" in English. There are a few slightly different ways people pronounce it, but here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation:

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /aɪˈdiːəl/

Here’s a breakdown of each part:

  • aɪ: This is the same sound as in the word "eye." It's a short, open "i" sound.
  • ˈdiː: This is the stressed syllable.
    • di: This makes a long “ee” sound, like the "ee" in “see.” Think of a drawn-out “ee.”
    • əl: This is a schwa sound (ə), which is a very relaxed, unstressed vowel sound – almost like you're saying "uh." It's very quick and subtle.
  • əl: Again, a schwa sound (ə) at the end.

How it sounds when spoken:

It sounds something like: “eye-DEE-uhl” (with the "dee" pronounced with a long "ee" sound).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the stressed syllable: The "di" part is the most important part of the pronunciation. Make sure you hold it slightly longer and pronounce it with the long "ee" sound.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “ee”: It’s not as strong as the “ee” in "see." Keep it relatively relaxed.
  • The schwa is key: The final “əl” is a very quiet, almost swallowed sound. Don’t really pronounce it at all.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example of the pronunciation?
  • Explain a slightly different variation of pronunciation (though the one above is the most common)?

Usage and examples with the word ideal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ideal" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and nuances. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adjective - Meaning "Perfect or Best"

This is the most common usage. "Ideal" describes something that is extremely good, perfect, or the best possible.

  • Example: "Paris is the ideal city for a romantic getaway." (Meaning: Paris is the perfect city for a romantic trip.)
  • Example: "She has an ideal figure – toned and graceful." (Meaning: She has a perfect or best figure.)
  • Example: "Finding an ideal candidate for the job is difficult." (Meaning: Finding the best possible candidate is hard.)

2. As an Adjective - Meaning "Believing in or Following a Set of Principles" (Often used with ‘idealist’)

This usage refers to someone who strongly believes in the goodness of people and the possibility of a better world. It can sometimes imply a touch of naivete.

  • Example: "He's an idealist who believes in world peace." (Meaning: He is someone who strongly believes in world peace.)
  • Example: "She’s an idealist and always tries to see the best in people." (Similar meaning)

3. As a Noun - Meaning "A Perfect or Model Example"

Less common, but still important, "ideal" can be used as a noun referring to a perfect example or standard.

  • Example: “The company’s management style is an ideal for employee satisfaction.” (Meaning: It’s the perfect style for ensuring employee satisfaction.)
  • Example: "He strives to live an ideal life, according to his values.” (Meaning: He aims for a life that reflects his values perfectly).

Key Considerations and How to Use It Effectively:

  • Comparisons: "Ideal" often works best when you're comparing something to something else. For instance, "This restaurant has an ideal location – close to the beach and downtown." It's setting a standard.

  • Degree of Perfection: “Ideal” implies a high degree of perfection. Words like “good” or “nice” won’t usually fit.

  • Context is Crucial: The precise meaning of “ideal” will depend on the context of the sentence.

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Perfect
  • Excellent
  • Optimal
  • Supreme
  • Best
  • Model
  • Exemplary

Let's Practice!

Try to complete these sentences using "ideal":

  1. _____ weather for hiking is sunny and warm.
  2. She has an _____ memory for dates and names.
  3. He is an _____ citizen, always willing to help others.

Answers to the Practice Sentences:

  1. Ideal
  2. Ideal
  3. Ideal

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of using "ideal"?
  • Explain a specific nuance of the word (e.g., its historical usage)?
  • Provide a quiz to test your understanding?

Idioms of the word ideal

in an ideal/a perfect world
used to say that something is what you would like to happen or what should happen, but you know it cannot
  • In an ideal world we would be recycling and reusing everything.

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