Idealistic
mediumNeutral toneeye-dee-uh-LIS-tik
adjective
Definition
Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
Memory hook
IDEAL-istic: chasing the IDEAL perfection that may only exist in one's imagination.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Her idealistic vision inspired others to work toward change.”
“His idealistic plans often clashed with practical constraints.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Her ______ vision inspired others to work toward change.”
Show answer
idealistic
Categories
GRE Tip
Idealistic is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "utopian" or "visionary" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pragmatic".
Related GRE Words
quixotic
extremely idealistic and impractical; chasing unreachable ideals
utopian
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
prophetic
Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
whimsical
Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing way
prescient
Having knowledge of events before they take place; prophetic
glance
To take a brief or hurried look
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