idealism
UK[aɪˈdɪə.lɪ.zəm]US[aɪˈdiː.ə.lɪ.zəm]
n
The belief that our ideas, or the mind and its contents, are the primary or most perfect reality, and that physical objects are secondary or imperfect representations.
n
The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.
Morpheme Breakdown
ideal
ism
ideal
ism
Etymology
The word 'idealism' is a modern philosophical compound, entering English in the late 18th century. Its first component, 'ideal', traces back to the Greek idea (ἰδέα), meaning "form," "pattern," or "archetype," which Plato used to describe the perfect, non-physical essences that constitute true reality. The suffix '-ism' derives from Greek -ismos, used to form nouns indicating a practice, system, or philosophical doctrine. Therefore, the literal construction "idea-ism" logically encapsulates the doctrine that prioritizes ideas, forms, or mental constructs as the fundamental basis of reality, contrasting with materialism. This etymological path from a concrete Greek term for a visual form to an abstract philosophical system highlights a central evolution in Western thought.
Analysis
Structure: ideal + ism
ideal: From Latin idealis (existing as an idea), from Greek idea (form, pattern). Functions as the core concept root.
ism: From Greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine. Functions as a noun-forming suffix denoting a system, principle, or theory.
Examples
The philosopher was known for his transcendental idealism, which distinguished between phenomena and noumena.
Her youthful idealism led her to volunteer for humanitarian causes around the world.
The project failed not for lack of effort, but because of the team's impractical idealism about the budget and timeline.