idealistic
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “idealistic” mean?
adjective.characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing social movements, philosophy, or character motivations. It emphasizes a tendency to pursue lofty goals or principles, often suggesting a disconnect from practical realities, unlike words such as "optimistic," which imply a more positive outlook without the same emphasis on unattainable ideals.
Common Confusions
Idealistic implies a pursuit of unattainable perfection, while optimistic usually suggests a hopeful outlook grounded in reality without the same emphasis on idealism.
Do not choose idealistic if the context emphasizes practicality or realism rather than unrealistically aiming for perfection.
Example Sentences
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His idealistic vision was admired but seen as impractical.
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Her idealistic plan ignored the budget.