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B1 noun (plural) #28 가장 일반적인 17분 분량

ideals

상위 28

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 ideals 30초 만에

설명 ideals in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ideals' is a very difficult word. You can think of it as 'the best things' or 'the perfect way' to do something. For example, if you want to be a good friend, you have an 'ideal' of what a friend should be. A friend should be kind and help you. That is your ideal. It is like a dream of how things should be. You might not hear this word often in basic English, but you can understand it as 'very good goals.' When you see 'ideals,' think of a person who wants everything to be perfect. They want a perfect world where everyone is happy. Even if the world is not perfect, they still try to make it better. It is a big word for a simple feeling: wanting the best for everyone and everything. You can use it to talk about your favorite things, like 'my ideal day' (my perfect day). In the plural form 'ideals,' it means the many good things you believe in, like being honest and being brave. It is a word for heroes and good people in stories.

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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'ideals' to describe people's beliefs. Ideals are the standards or values that people think are perfect. For example, some people have the ideal of 'honesty.' This means they think being honest is the most important thing. They try to be honest all the time. You might hear people say, 'He has high ideals.' This means he has very good and difficult goals for how to behave. It is different from a simple 'idea.' An idea is just a thought, like 'I have an idea for dinner.' An ideal is a big belief, like 'I believe in justice.' You can use 'ideals' when talking about what you want for the future. Maybe you have ideals for your country, like peace and freedom. It is a positive word. When someone follows their ideals, we usually think they are a good person. However, sometimes people say someone is 'too idealistic,' which means they are dreaming too much and not looking at the real world. You can practice by thinking about your own ideals: what are the three most important things you believe in?

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At the B1 level, you should understand 'ideals' as the guiding principles that influence a person's or a group's behavior. Ideals are the 'perfect versions' of concepts like justice, equality, or beauty. They act as a compass, helping people make decisions. For instance, a company might have 'ideals of sustainability,' which means they try to protect the environment in everything they do. You will often see this word in the plural form when it refers to a set of values. A common phrase is 'to live up to one's ideals.' This means to actually do the things you say you believe in. It is often hard to live up to your ideals because the real world is complicated. You might also hear about 'democratic ideals,' which are the basic beliefs of a democracy, like the right to vote and free speech. In your writing, you can use 'ideals' to explain why a character in a story acts the way they do. For example, 'The hero fought the villain because of his ideals of fairness.' It is a more formal and powerful word than 'values' or 'beliefs,' and it suggests that the person is striving for something very high and noble.

At the B2 level, 'ideals' is an essential word for discussing abstract topics like politics, philosophy, and social issues. You should recognize that ideals are often contrasted with 'reality' or 'pragmatism.' An idealist is someone who focuses on how things *should* be, while a pragmatist focuses on how things *actually* are. In many debates, you will hear people argue about whether it is better to stick to your ideals or to be practical. For example, 'The politician was forced to compromise his ideals to get the law passed.' This sentence shows a conflict between high standards and the need to get things done. You should also be comfortable using 'ideals' with various adjectives: 'lofty ideals,' 'founding ideals,' 'aesthetic ideals,' or 'moral ideals.' In academic or professional contexts, 'ideals' often refers to the core mission of an institution. A university might be 'dedicated to the ideals of academic freedom.' You should also be aware of the word's history; it comes from the concept of 'the ideal,' which is the perfect form of something. When you use 'ideals,' you are implying that there is a standard of excellence that we should all try to reach, even if we know we might fail. It is a word that adds depth and seriousness to your arguments.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'ideals' with precision and nuance, understanding its philosophical roots and its rhetorical power. Ideals are not just high standards; they are the teleological goals toward which a society or individual moves. In a C1 context, you might discuss the 'Enlightenment ideals' of rationality, empiricism, and individual rights, and how these have shaped modern Western thought. You should be able to analyze the tension between 'ideals' and 'realpolitik'—the idea that politics should be based on power and practical factors rather than moral or ideological ones. Furthermore, you can use the word to describe the internal psychological state of an individual, such as the 'ego ideal' in psychoanalytic theory, which is the inner image of oneself as one wants to become. When writing, you might use 'ideals' to critique a system: 'The current economic model often stands in direct opposition to the humanitarian ideals it claims to support.' This level of usage requires an understanding that ideals are often used as a form of social or political legitimation. You should also be able to distinguish between 'ideals' and 'ideologies'; while they are related, an ideology is a broader system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Using 'ideals' correctly at this level involves recognizing its role in the construction of identity and the justification of action.

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At the C2 level, you should have a masterful grasp of 'ideals' as a concept that bridges the gap between the ontological and the ethical. You can discuss 'ideals' in the context of Platonic realism, where the 'Ideals' (or Forms) are the only true reality, and the physical world is merely a shadow. In this sense, 'ideals' are the perfect, immutable patterns of all things. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps exploring the 'betrayal of ideals' as a tragic theme in literature or history. For instance, you might analyze how the 'revolutionary ideals' of 1789 in France were both fulfilled and subverted by the subsequent Reign of Terror. At this level, you can also use 'ideals' to discuss the evolution of cultural standards, such as the 'shifting aesthetic ideals' of the Baroque versus the Neoclassical periods. You should be able to navigate the subtle connotations of the word in different registers—from the highly formal language of a manifesto to the nuanced, perhaps even cynical, tone of a political commentary. A C2 user might say, 'The persistent gap between our professed ideals and our lived reality is the defining paradox of the modern age.' This demonstrates an ability to use the word not just to describe a value, but to frame a complex philosophical problem. You should also be comfortable with related terms like 'idealization,' 'idealism,' and 'idealistic,' using them to describe complex social and psychological phenomena with absolute clarity.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

ideals 30초 만에

Ideals are high moral standards or principles that represent perfection and guide a person's or society's behavior toward a better state of being.
They are often abstract concepts like justice, beauty, or equality that serve as a 'north star' for decision-making and personal growth.
While ideals may be difficult to fully achieve in reality, they provide the necessary motivation and direction for individuals and organizations to improve.
The word is commonly used in formal contexts such as political speeches, graduation ceremonies, and discussions about ethics, philosophy, and social change.

The term ideals refers to the highest standards, principles, or values that an individual, a group, or a society strives to achieve. Unlike simple goals, which are often concrete and attainable (like buying a car), ideals are often abstract and represent a state of perfection that may be difficult to fully realize in the messy reality of everyday life. When we talk about ideals, we are discussing the 'north star' of human behavior—the ultimate concepts of justice, beauty, honesty, and equality that guide our decisions. People use this word most frequently when discussing philosophy, politics, personal growth, and ethics. It is a word that carries a certain weight of nobility; to have ideals is to believe in something better than the status quo. In a professional setting, a company might list its 'corporate ideals' to signal to customers that they care about more than just profit, such as sustainability or transparency. In a personal context, a person might speak of their 'romantic ideals,' describing the perfect partner they hope to find, even if they know no human is truly perfect.

Core Concept: Ideals are mental models of perfection that serve as benchmarks for behavior and social organization.

The founding fathers of the nation were deeply committed to the ideals of liberty and justice for all citizens, regardless of their background.

Historically, the concept of ideals is rooted in the philosophical tradition of Idealism, which suggests that the ultimate reality is composed of ideas rather than material things. For example, Plato argued that there is an 'ideal' form of a circle that exists in the mind, while every circle we draw in the sand is just an imperfect copy. In modern usage, this has shifted slightly toward the moral and social realm. When a politician speaks of 'democratic ideals,' they are referring to the perfect version of democracy where every voice is heard and every right is protected. Even if the current system has flaws, the ideals remain the goal. This word is also used to describe the qualities we admire in others. If you say someone is the 'ideal' candidate, you mean they possess all the perfect qualities required for the job. However, when used as a plural noun—ideals—it almost always refers to those internal guiding stars. It is important to distinguish between having 'an ideal' (a perfect example) and having 'ideals' (a set of high moral values). The latter suggests a lifelong commitment to a specific way of living and thinking.

Usage Context: Commonly found in political science, ethics, literature, and motivational speaking.

She refused to compromise her ideals even when it meant losing her job, proving that her integrity was more important than her salary.

Furthermore, the word 'ideals' often appears in discussions about the gap between how things are and how they should be. This is why we often hear phrases like 'living up to one's ideals.' It implies a struggle. If it were easy to be perfect, we wouldn't need the word. We use it to describe the tension between our human limitations and our divine aspirations. In literature, a character might be described as 'idealistic,' meaning they are driven by their ideals rather than by practical or selfish concerns. This can be both a compliment and a criticism; an idealistic person is seen as noble but sometimes naive. Understanding 'ideals' requires recognizing that they are not just thoughts, but are the emotional and ethical foundations of identity. When someone says, 'That goes against my ideals,' they are saying that the action in question violates their very sense of self and what they believe is right. It is a powerful word because it connects our internal thoughts to our external actions.

The university was founded on the ideals of free inquiry and the pursuit of truth above all else.

Synonym Note: While 'values' are what you care about, 'ideals' are the perfect standards of those values.

Many young activists are driven by the ideals of environmental sustainability and social equity.

It is difficult to maintain your ideals in a world that often rewards greed and shortcuts.

Using the word ideals correctly involves understanding its role as a plural noun that represents abstract concepts. It is frequently paired with verbs that describe how we interact with these concepts, such as 'uphold,' 'pursue,' 'betray,' 'compromise,' or 'abandon.' For instance, one might say, 'He struggled to uphold his ideals in the face of intense political pressure.' This sentence shows that ideals are something that must be actively maintained. Because ideals are standards of perfection, they are often used in the context of comparison. You might compare a current situation to your ideals to see how far off it is. In academic writing, 'ideals' is often used to discuss the foundational beliefs of a movement or a period in history, such as 'the Enlightenment ideals of reason and individual liberty.' In these cases, the word acts as a bridge between a specific historical event and the universal values it promoted.

Verb Collocations: Uphold, maintain, pursue, strive for, betray, sacrifice, compromise, cherish.

The organization was criticized for failing to live up to its own ideals of transparency and accountability.

When constructing sentences, it is helpful to specify what kind of ideals you are referring to by using adjectives. Common pairings include 'democratic ideals,' 'moral ideals,' 'aesthetic ideals,' 'socialist ideals,' or 'religious ideals.' This helps the reader understand the specific domain of perfection being discussed. For example, 'The artist’s aesthetic ideals were heavily influenced by the Renaissance.' Here, the word 'ideals' tells us that the artist has a specific vision of what perfect art looks like. Another important grammatical point is that 'ideals' is almost always plural. While you can have 'an ideal' (a single perfect thing or person), 'ideals' as a set of principles is treated as a collective noun of sorts. You wouldn't usually say 'my ideal is honesty'; instead, you would say 'honesty is one of my ideals' or 'I have high ideals, including honesty.' This pluralization emphasizes that a person's worldview is usually made up of multiple interconnected values.

Adjective Pairings: High, lofty, noble, unreachable, core, founding, personal, shared.

Despite the challenges of the war, the soldiers remained committed to the ideals of duty and honor.

In complex sentences, 'ideals' can serve as the subject that drives action. 'Their shared ideals brought the diverse group of protesters together.' In this case, the abstract concept is the force that creates unity. You can also use it in the possessive form, though it is less common: 'The ideals' influence on the community was profound.' However, it is more natural to say 'The influence of those ideals on the community was profound.' When writing about conflict, 'ideals' is a great word to describe the source of the disagreement. 'The two parties were divided not just by policy, but by their fundamental ideals.' This suggests a much deeper, more irreconcilable difference than a simple disagreement over facts. It implies that their very visions of a perfect world are in opposition. Using 'ideals' elevates the tone of your writing, making it sound more thoughtful and concerned with the bigger picture of human existence.

The teacher encouraged her students to define their own ideals before entering the professional world.

Prepositional Phrases: Ideals of (justice), ideals for (the future), ideals about (governance).

He felt a deep sense of guilt for betraying the ideals he had championed in his youth.

The new policy was designed to reflect the ideals of the modern workforce.

You are most likely to encounter the word ideals in formal speeches, particularly those given by leaders, activists, or educators. During a graduation ceremony, a commencement speaker might urge students to 'never lose sight of your ideals' as they enter the 'real world.' This is a classic usage, where 'ideals' represents the pure, untainted dreams of youth compared to the practical, often cynical nature of adulthood. In the realm of politics, 'ideals' is a staple word. Politicians use it to evoke a sense of shared purpose and history. You will hear phrases like 'the ideals of our democracy' or 'the ideals of our ancestors.' It is a way of appealing to the best version of a nation or a community. If you listen to historical speeches, such as those by Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela, the word 'ideals' appears frequently as they describe the world they are fighting to create—a world that does not yet exist but is perfectly envisioned in their minds.

Common Setting: Graduation: Speakers often contrast 'ideals' with 'reality' to encourage graduates to change the world.

'We must hold fast to our ideals even when the path ahead is dark,' the senator proclaimed during the rally.

In the media, you will find 'ideals' used in documentaries and long-form journalism, especially when discussing social movements or ethical dilemmas. A journalist might report on how a tech company has 'abandoned its founding ideals' of privacy in favor of data-driven profits. This usage highlights a common narrative arc: the rise and fall of purity. In literature and film, 'ideals' are often the driving force behind a protagonist's journey. Think of a character like Don Quixote, whose 'chivalric ideals' lead him into absurd but noble adventures. The word is also common in religious contexts, where it refers to the divine standards set by a faith. A priest or rabbi might speak about the 'ideals of compassion and charity' that followers should strive to embody. In these settings, the word serves as a reminder of the spiritual goals that transcend material life. It is less common in casual, everyday conversation, where people might prefer simpler words like 'beliefs' or 'values,' but it remains essential for any discussion that aims for depth and seriousness.

Common Setting: Corporate Branding: Companies use the word in mission statements to appear more ethical and mission-driven.

The documentary explored how the ideals of the 1960s counterculture eventually merged with mainstream consumerism.

Finally, you will hear 'ideals' in the context of beauty and art. Fashion critics might talk about 'changing beauty ideals' over the decades, moving from the 'curvy ideals' of the 1950s to the 'waifish ideals' of the 1990s. Here, the word refers to the collective standard of what is considered perfect or most desirable at a given time. Similarly, in sports, commentators might speak of the 'Olympic ideals' of sportsmanship and international friendship. This usage emphasizes that the event is about more than just winning medals; it is about a higher purpose. Whether it is in a courtroom, a classroom, or a church, 'ideals' is the word we use when we want to talk about the best version of ourselves and our world. It is a word of aspiration, reminding us that even if we fail, the standard itself remains worth pursuing. It is the language of the 'ought' rather than the 'is,' focusing on what should be rather than what currently exists.

'Our ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands, but like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides.'

Common Setting: Philosophy Class: Students debate whether 'ideals' are discovered or created by human culture.

The coach reminded the team that the ideals of fair play are more important than the final score.

Social media has been criticized for promoting unrealistic body ideals to young teenagers.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing ideals with the word 'ideas.' While they look similar, their meanings are quite different. An 'idea' is simply a thought, a suggestion, or a plan. You can have an idea for a new sandwich or an idea for a movie. An 'ideal,' however, is a standard of perfection or a high moral principle. If you say, 'I have some ideals for the party,' people will be confused; you likely mean you have 'ideas' for the party. Conversely, if you say, 'The nation was built on great ideas,' it's grammatically correct but lacks the moral weight of saying 'The nation was built on great ideals.' Ideals imply a commitment to a value system, whereas ideas are just mental constructs. Another common error is using 'ideal' as a singular noun when you should use the plural 'ideals.' While 'He is my ideal' is correct (meaning he is the perfect example), when talking about a person's belief system, you must use the plural: 'He has high ideals.' Using the singular in this context sounds unnatural and incomplete.

Confusing Word: Ideas vs. Ideals: Ideas are thoughts; Ideals are standards of perfection.

Incorrect: He has very strong ideas about how a person should behave morally. (Better: ideals)

Another mistake involves the preposition used with 'ideals.' People often struggle with whether to say 'ideals of,' 'ideals for,' or 'ideals about.' The most common and generally correct form is 'ideals of,' followed by the abstract value. For example, 'ideals of justice,' 'ideals of beauty,' or 'ideals of freedom.' Using 'ideals about' is less common and often sounds a bit informal or slightly off. For instance, 'ideals about justice' is understandable but 'ideals of justice' is the standard academic and formal phrasing. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'ideals' with 'idols.' An 'idol' is a person or thing that is greatly admired or worshipped, often blindly. While you might admire someone because they represent your ideals, the person is the 'idol' and the principles they represent are the 'ideals.' Confusing these can lead to sentences that sound like you are worshipping abstract concepts as physical gods, which is rarely the intended meaning.

Preposition Error: Use 'ideals of' for abstract values (e.g., 'ideals of equality').

Incorrect: She has many idols that she lives by. (Correct: ideals)

Finally, be careful with the word 'idealistic.' While it is the adjective form of 'ideals,' it often carries a slightly negative connotation in modern English, suggesting that someone is impractical or out of touch with reality. If you want to praise someone for having high standards without implying they are naive, you might say they are 'principled' or 'committed to their ideals' rather than just calling them 'idealistic.' Conversely, don't use 'ideals' when you simply mean 'preferences.' If you prefer chocolate over vanilla, that is a preference, not an ideal. An ideal should be something that has a moral or perfection-oriented dimension. Overusing the word for trivial things devalues its meaning. For example, saying 'My ideals for a sandwich are ham and cheese' is technically understandable but stylistically poor; it's better to say 'My ideal sandwich is ham and cheese' or simply 'I prefer ham and cheese.'

Incorrect: My ideals for a car are that it must be red. (Better: My ideal car is red.)

Singular vs. Plural: Use 'an ideal' for a person/thing, 'ideals' for a set of values.

The politician was accused of being too idealistic to handle the gritty reality of international diplomacy.

It is a mistake to think that ideals are only for the young; they are necessary for everyone.

When you want to express the concept of high standards or guiding beliefs, there are several words similar to ideals, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is 'values.' While 'ideals' refers to a state of perfection, 'values' refers to what a person or group deems important. You might value 'efficiency,' but your ideal might be 'perfect harmony.' 'Principles' is another close synonym, but it often refers to specific rules of conduct or fundamental truths. A person might have a 'principle' of never lying, which is part of their broader 'ideals' of honesty. 'Standards' is a more practical word, often used in professional or technical contexts (e.g., 'safety standards'). 'Ethics' refers to the moral system that governs behavior, often in a professional sense (e.g., 'medical ethics'). Understanding these differences helps you choose the word that best fits the level of abstraction and formality you need.

Ideals vs. Values: Ideals are perfect versions; values are things you consider important or worthy.

While his values included hard work, his ideals were focused on creating a world without poverty.

In more literary or philosophical contexts, you might use 'archetypes' or 'paragons.' A 'paragon' is a person or thing viewed as a model of excellence—essentially a living 'ideal.' For example, 'She is a paragon of virtue.' 'Archetypes' are original patterns or models from which all things of the same kind are copied; this is very close to the Platonic sense of 'ideals.' If you are talking about a goal that is very difficult to reach, you might use 'aspirations' or 'ambitions.' However, these words are more about the act of wanting to achieve something rather than the standard itself. 'Convictions' is another powerful alternative, referring to deeply held beliefs that a person is unwilling to change. While your ideals are the standards you look up to, your convictions are the beliefs you stand on. Using 'convictions' suggests a level of certainty and strength that 'ideals' might not always convey, as ideals can sometimes feel distant or unreachable.

Ideals vs. Principles: Ideals are the 'what' (the perfect goal); principles are the 'how' (the rules to get there).

The architect's ideals of minimalism were reflected in every principle of the building's design.

Finally, in a more negative or skeptical context, you might use 'fantasies' or 'delusions' to describe someone's ideals if you believe they are completely impossible. A critic might say, 'His political ideals are nothing more than utopian fantasies.' This suggests that the ideals are not just high, but actually harmful because they ignore reality. On the other hand, 'vision' is a very positive alternative often used in leadership. A 'visionary' leader is someone who has clear and inspiring ideals for the future. 'Ethos' is another sophisticated word, referring to the characteristic spirit of a culture or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. For example, 'the American ethos' includes the ideals of the self-made man and individual freedom. Choosing between these words allows you to fine-tune your message, whether you want to be inspiring, critical, technical, or philosophical.

The company's ethos was built on the ideals of community service and environmental stewardship.

Ideals vs. Standards: Standards are the minimum required; ideals are the maximum possible.

He set high standards for his employees, but his own ideals were even more demanding.

The poet spent his life chasing the ideals of pure beauty and absolute truth.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'ideal' was first used in English in the 17th century as an adjective, and it wasn't until later that the plural noun 'ideals' became common for describing moral principles.

발음 가이드

UK /aɪˈdɪəlz/

US /aɪˈdiːəlz/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: ai-DEE-als.

라임이 맞는 단어

deals feels heels meals peels reels seals wheels

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it as 'ideals' with three distinct syllables (i-de-als) instead of two and a half.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'idols' (/ˈaɪ.dəlz/).
Failing to pronounce the final 's' as a 'z' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable (AI-deals).
Pronouncing the 'ea' as a short 'e' sound.

난이도

독해 4/5

The word itself is easy to read, but the contexts it appears in (philosophy, politics) can be complex.

쓰기 5/5

Requires understanding of abstract nouns and specific collocations like 'uphold' or 'compromise'.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's a formal word not used in every conversation.

듣기 4/5

Often heard in fast-paced political or academic speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

idea perfect goal believe rule

다음에 배울 것

ideology principle ethics morality pragmatism

고급

teleology normative ontology dialectic utopian

알아야 할 문법

Plural Nouns for Abstract Concepts

We use 'ideals' (plural) to refer to a set of principles, similar to 'values' or 'ethics'.

Adjective-Noun Collocation

Ideals are frequently modified by adjectives like 'lofty', 'noble', or 'founding'.

Prepositional Usage

The preposition 'of' is standard after 'ideals' when specifying the value (e.g., 'ideals of truth').

Verb-Object Collocation

Specific verbs like 'uphold', 'betray', and 'sacrifice' are used with 'ideals' as the object.

Gerunds as Subjects

'Living up to one's ideals' is a common gerund phrase used as a sentence subject.

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수준별 예문

He wants to be a good person with high ideals.

Él quiere ser una buena persona con altos ideales.

Uses 'ideals' as a plural noun after the adjective 'high'.

My ideal day is sunny and warm.

Mi día ideal es soleado y cálido.

Here 'ideal' is an adjective meaning 'perfect'.

She has ideals about being kind to animals.

Ella tiene ideales sobre ser amable con los animales.

Uses 'ideals about' to show a specific area of belief.

They have many ideals for their new school.

Tienen muchos ideales para su nueva escuela.

Plural noun 'ideals' followed by the preposition 'for'.

Is honesty one of your ideals?

¿Es la honestidad uno de tus ideales?

Question form using 'ideals' as a plural noun.

The story is about a hero with great ideals.

La historia es sobre un héroe con grandes ideales.

Noun phrase 'great ideals'.

We should all have good ideals.

Todos deberíamos tener buenos ideales.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

His ideals make him a very nice friend.

Sus ideales lo hacen un amigo muy agradable.

The plural noun 'ideals' is the subject of the sentence.

The teacher spoke about the ideals of the school.

El profesor habló sobre los ideales de la escuela.

Uses the common 'ideals of' construction.

It is important to follow your ideals.

Es importante seguir tus ideales.

Infinitive phrase 'to follow your ideals'.

She is looking for a partner who shares her ideals.

Ella está buscando una pareja que comparta sus ideales.

Relative clause 'who shares her ideals'.

The movie shows a man fighting for his ideals.

La película muestra a un hombre luchando por sus ideales.

Present continuous verb 'fighting for'.

His ideals are very different from mine.

Sus ideales son muy diferentes a los míos.

Comparison using 'different from'.

Do you think these ideals are possible to reach?

¿Crees que estos ideales son posibles de alcanzar?

Adjective 'possible' describing the noun 'ideals'.

The company has ideals of fairness and respect.

La empresa tiene ideales de justicia y respeto.

Listing abstract nouns after 'ideals of'.

He changed his ideals after he grew up.

Él cambió sus ideales después de que creció.

Past tense verb 'changed'.

Many people struggle to live up to their ideals every day.

Mucha gente lucha por estar a la altura de sus ideales cada día.

Phrasal verb 'live up to' used with 'ideals'.

The politician promised to uphold democratic ideals.

El político prometió defender los ideales democráticos.

Verb 'uphold' is a common collocation for 'ideals'.

Her ideals of social justice led her to become a lawyer.

Sus ideales de justicia social la llevaron a convertirse en abogada.

Subject is the entire phrase 'Her ideals of social justice'.

The organization was founded on the ideals of peace and cooperation.

La organización fue fundada sobre los ideales de paz y cooperación.

Passive voice 'was founded on'.

It's easy to have high ideals when things are going well.

Es fácil tener altos ideales cuando las cosas van bien.

Introductory 'It is' structure.

He felt that he had betrayed his ideals by taking the money.

Sintió que había traicionado sus ideales al aceptar el dinero.

Past perfect 'had betrayed'.

The youth of today are often driven by environmental ideals.

La juventud de hoy a menudo se mueve por ideales ambientales.

Passive construction 'driven by'.

We must not sacrifice our ideals for short-term gain.

No debemos sacrificar nuestros ideales por una ganancia a corto plazo.

Modal verb 'must not' followed by 'sacrifice'.

The conflict arose from a fundamental clash of ideals.

El conflicto surgió de un choque fundamental de ideales.

Noun phrase 'clash of ideals' is a common idiom.

She was often criticized for being too idealistic and ignoring the facts.

A menudo se la criticaba por ser demasiado idealista e ignorar los hechos.

Adjective 'idealistic' derived from 'ideals'.

The document outlines the founding ideals of the republic.

El documento describe los ideales fundacionales de la república.

Adjective 'founding' modifies 'ideals'.

To maintain one's ideals in a corrupt system requires great courage.

Mantener los ideales propios en un sistema corrupto requiere gran valor.

Infinitive phrase as the subject of the sentence.

The artist sought to capture the aesthetic ideals of the era.

El artista buscó capturar los ideales estéticos de la época.

Verb 'capture' used metaphorically.

His personal ideals were often at odds with his professional duties.

Sus ideales personales a menudo estaban en conflicto con sus deberes profesionales.

Idiom 'at odds with' showing conflict.

The movement lost its way when it abandoned its original ideals.

El movimiento se perdió cuando abandonó sus ideales originales.

Adverbial clause starting with 'when'.

They discussed the ideals of the French Revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Discutieron los ideales de la Revolución Francesa: libertad, igualdad y fraternidad.

Appositive phrase explaining the 'ideals'.

The tension between pragmatic politics and lofty ideals is a recurring theme in history.

La tensión entre la política pragmática y los ideales elevados es un tema recurrente en la historia.

Contrast between 'pragmatic' and 'lofty'.

He argued that the pursuit of unreachable ideals is what drives human progress.

Argumentó que la búsqueda de ideales inalcanzables es lo que impulsa el progreso humano.

Gerund phrase 'the pursuit of unreachable ideals' as subject.

The philosopher examined how cultural ideals of beauty are constructed by the media.

El filósofo examinó cómo los ideales culturales de belleza son construidos por los medios.

Passive voice in a subordinate clause.

The company's marketing campaign was a cynical attempt to co-opt radical ideals.

La campaña de marketing de la empresa fue un intento cínico de cooptar ideales radicales.

Verb 'co-opt' used with 'ideals'.

Despite the prevailing cynicism, some still cling to the ideals of their youth.

A pesar del cinismo imperante, algunos todavía se aferran a los ideales de su juventud.

Prepositional phrase 'Despite the prevailing cynicism'.

The legal system is designed to approximate the ideals of absolute justice.

El sistema legal está diseñado para aproximarse a los ideales de justicia absoluta.

Verb 'approximate' suggests that the ideal is never fully reached.

The novel explores the tragic consequences of a man who refuses to compromise his ideals.

La novela explora las trágicas consecuencias de un hombre que se niega a comprometer sus ideales.

Relative clause 'who refuses to compromise his ideals'.

We must interrogate the ideals that underpin our social institutions.

Debemos interrogar los ideales que sustentan nuestras instituciones sociales.

Verb 'underpin' showing the foundational role of ideals.

The dialectic between the material reality and the transcendent ideals of the movement remains unresolved.

La dialéctica entre la realidad material y los ideales trascendentes del movimiento sigue sin resolverse.

Use of philosophical terms like 'dialectic' and 'transcendent'.

His rhetoric was a masterful blend of populist appeal and high-minded ideals.

Su retórica era una mezcla magistral de atractivo populista e ideales de miras elevadas.

Compound adjective 'high-minded'.

The erosion of civic ideals has led to a profound crisis of legitimacy in the government.

La erosión de los ideales cívicos ha llevado a una profunda crisis de legitimidad en el gobierno.

Noun 'erosion' used metaphorically.

She critiqued the way the Enlightenment ideals of universalism often masked colonial ambitions.

Ella criticó la forma en que los ideales de universalismo de la Ilustración a menudo enmascaraban ambiciones coloniales.

Complex sentence structure with multiple subordinate clauses.

The protagonist's downfall was precipitated by his inability to reconcile his ideals with the exigencies of power.

La caída del protagonista fue precipitada por su incapacidad para reconciliar sus ideales con las exigencias del poder.

Formal vocabulary: 'precipitated', 'reconcile', 'exigencies'.

The utopian ideals of the commune eventually foundered on the rocks of human ego and scarcity.

Los ideales utópicos de la comuna finalmente naufragaron en las rocas del ego humano y la escasez.

Metaphorical use of 'foundered on the rocks'.

In his later years, the philosopher became increasingly skeptical of the very ideals he had once championed.

En sus últimos años, el filósofo se volvió cada vez más escéptico de los mismos ideales que una vez había defendido.

Adverbial phrase 'increasingly skeptical of'.

The architecture of the city was intended to be a physical manifestation of the state's political ideals.

La arquitectura de la ciudad estaba destinada a ser una manifestación física de los ideales políticos del estado.

Noun phrase 'physical manifestation'.

동의어

principles values standards ethics beliefs convictions archetypes paragons

반의어

realities pragmatism corruption flaws

자주 쓰는 조합

uphold ideals

democratic ideals

lofty ideals

personal ideals

betray ideals

founding ideals

live up to ideals

moral ideals

aesthetic ideals

strive for ideals

자주 쓰는 구문

A man of ideals

— A person who is guided by high moral standards and principles.

He was known as a man of ideals who could not be bought.

Compromise one's ideals

— To lower one's standards or give up principles to achieve a practical goal.

She refused to compromise her ideals even when it cost her the election.

High ideals

— Very noble or perfect standards that are often difficult to achieve.

The young doctor entered the profession with high ideals about helping the poor.

Clash of ideals

— A situation where two different sets of perfect standards are in conflict.

The debate was a classic clash of ideals between security and privacy.

Unreachable ideals

— Standards of perfection that are impossible to fully attain in reality.

While they are unreachable ideals, they still serve as important goals.

Shared ideals

— Principles or values that are held in common by a group of people.

Their shared ideals were the foundation of their long-lasting friendship.

In pursuit of ideals

— The act of trying to achieve or live according to one's high standards.

He spent his whole life in pursuit of his artistic ideals.

True to one's ideals

— Acting in a way that is consistent with one's deeply held principles.

She remained true to her ideals despite the pressure to conform.

Founding ideals

— The original principles upon which an organization or nation was established.

The school has drifted away from its founding ideals over the years.

Ideals of youth

— The pure and often optimistic standards held by young people before they face the realities of life.

He looked back on the ideals of his youth with a mix of nostalgia and sadness.

자주 혼동되는 단어

ideals vs ideas

Ideas are thoughts or plans; ideals are high standards of perfection. Don't say 'I have ideals for dinner.'

ideals vs idols

Idols are people or objects that are worshipped; ideals are abstract principles. You might admire an idol because of their ideals.

ideals vs deals

Deals are business agreements or bargains. This is a phonetic confusion only.

관용어 및 표현

"Live up to one's ideals"

— To act in accordance with the high standards one has set for oneself.

It's a daily challenge to live up to one's ideals in a competitive world.

neutral

"Fight for one's ideals"

— To work hard or struggle to protect or achieve one's principles.

She was willing to fight for her ideals, no matter the cost.

neutral

"A beacon of ideals"

— A person or thing that serves as an inspiring example of high standards.

The small non-profit was a beacon of ideals in a greedy industry.

literary

"Betray one's ideals"

— To act in a way that goes against one's deeply held principles.

He felt he had betrayed his ideals by remaining silent during the injustice.

formal

"Hollow ideals"

— Principles that are spoken about but not actually followed or believed in.

The politician's speech was full of hollow ideals that meant nothing to the voters.

critical

"Lofty ideals"

— Very high and noble principles, sometimes implying they are too high to be practical.

He was a dreamer with lofty ideals but no plan of action.

neutral/formal

"Sacrifice one's ideals"

— To give up one's principles in exchange for something else, usually power or money.

Many people sacrifice their ideals for the sake of a steady paycheck.

neutral

"Rooted in ideals"

— Based firmly on a specific set of principles or values.

Their community was rooted in the ideals of mutual aid and sustainability.

formal

"Championing ideals"

— Publicly supporting and defending a set of high standards.

She has spent her career championing the ideals of gender equality.

formal

"Ideals are like stars"

— A metaphor suggesting that ideals guide us even if we can't reach them (attributed to Carl Schurz).

Remember that ideals are like stars; use them to navigate your life.

literary

혼동하기 쉬운

ideals vs Values

Both refer to what is important to a person.

Values are what you actually care about; ideals are the perfect, often unreachable versions of those values. You can have 'bad values' but 'ideals' are almost always seen as positive or noble.

He values money, but his ideals are about charity.

ideals vs Principles

Both act as guides for behavior.

Principles are often specific rules (e.g., 'don't steal'); ideals are broader visions of perfection (e.g., 'absolute justice'). Principles are the tools used to reach ideals.

Following the principle of honesty helps you reach the ideal of truth.

ideals vs Goals

Both are things people want to achieve.

Goals are concrete and usually attainable (e.g., 'lose 5kg'); ideals are abstract and often unattainable (e.g., 'perfect health').

My goal is to finish the race; my ideal is to be a perfect athlete.

ideals vs Standards

Both are benchmarks for quality.

Standards are often the minimum level required; ideals are the maximum level possible.

The school met the safety standards, but it fell short of its educational ideals.

ideals vs Ideology

Both involve systems of belief.

An ideology is a comprehensive system of political or economic theory; ideals are the specific high standards within or outside that system.

The communist ideology is based on the ideals of a classless society.

문장 패턴

I have [Adjective] ideals.

I have high ideals.

It is hard to live up to [Possessive] ideals.

It is hard to live up to my ideals.

The ideals of [Noun] are important.

The ideals of freedom are important.

[Subject] refused to compromise [Possessive] ideals.

She refused to compromise her ideals.

The movement was based on the ideals of [Noun] and [Noun].

The movement was based on the ideals of peace and love.

There is a tension between [Noun] and [Adjective] ideals.

There is a tension between reality and lofty ideals.

The [Adjective] ideals that underpin [Noun] are...

The democratic ideals that underpin our society are failing.

The betrayal of [Possessive] [Adjective] ideals led to [Noun].

The betrayal of his revolutionary ideals led to his downfall.

어휘 가족

명사

ideal (singular noun: a perfect example)

idealism (the practice of forming or pursuing ideals)

idealist (a person who is guided by ideals)

idealization (the act of regarding something as perfect)

동사

idealize (to represent or regard as perfect)

형용사

ideal (perfect; most suitable)

idealistic (characterized by idealism; often implying impracticality)

idealized (represented as perfect)

사용법

frequency

Common in written English, particularly in non-fiction, journalism, and literature. Less common in casual spoken English.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'ideals' when you mean 'ideas'. → I have some ideas for the project.
Ideas are thoughts; ideals are high standards. You don't have 'ideals' for a project unless it's a moral one.
Saying 'He has a strong ideal.' → He has strong ideals.
When referring to a set of principles, the plural form is required.
Using 'ideals about' instead of 'ideals of'. → The ideals of justice are universal.
'Ideals of' is the standard formal prepositional phrase for abstract values.
Confusing 'ideals' with 'idols'. → She lives by her ideals.
An idol is a person you worship; an ideal is a principle you follow.
Using 'ideals' for simple preferences. → My favorite color is blue.
Don't say 'My ideals for a color are blue.' Ideals must have a sense of perfection or morality.

팁

Choosing the Right Word

Use 'ideals' when you want to talk about the highest, most perfect version of a value. Use 'values' for things that are simply important to you.

Always Plural

When talking about a person's moral system, always use 'ideals' with an 's'. The singular 'ideal' is usually an adjective or a noun meaning 'perfect example'.

Elevate Your Writing

Replacing 'good goals' with 'noble ideals' instantly makes your writing sound more academic and professional.

Political Context

When you hear 'ideals' in politics, remember that it's an emotional appeal to the best version of a country's history.

Common Verb: Uphold

The most common formal verb used with ideals is 'uphold.' It means to support or defend something that is already established.

Ideal vs. Idea

Never use 'ideals' when you mean 'thoughts.' If you can't replace the word with 'perfect standards,' it's probably 'ideas'.

Tone of Voice

The word 'ideals' carries a lot of weight. Use it slowly and clearly in a speech to emphasize its importance.

Identify the Adjective

Pay attention to the adjective before 'ideals' (e.g., 'socialist', 'religious'). It tells you exactly what world-view the speaker is discussing.

The Star Mnemonic

Think of 'Ideals' as 'I-Deals'—how I deal with the world by looking at the stars (perfection).

The Disillusioned Idealist

Understand this common character type in English literature: someone who loses their 'ideals' after seeing the 'real world'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the 'I' in Ideals as 'Internal.' Your Ideals are your Internal standards for how the world should be. Or, think of 'I Deal'—I deal with the world using my ideals.

시각적 연상

Imagine a bright North Star in a dark sky. You are a sailor on a ship. You can't reach the star, but you use it to make sure your ship is going in the right direction. The star is your ideals.

Word Web

Perfection Standards Values Principles Justice Beauty Equality Compassion

챌린지

Write down three 'ideals' you have for your own life. Then, write one sentence for each explaining how you can 'uphold' that ideal this week.

어원

The word 'ideals' comes from the Late Latin 'idealis,' which means 'existing in idea.' This, in turn, is derived from the Greek 'idea,' meaning 'form, pattern, or type.' The Greek root 'idein' means 'to see,' suggesting that an ideal is something seen with the mind's eye.

원래 의미: Originally, it referred to the Platonic 'Forms'—the perfect, non-material patterns of which all material things are imperfect copies.

Indo-European (Hellenic to Latin to Romance to English).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when discussing 'ideals' in a political context, as one person's ideal might be another person's nightmare. Always acknowledge that ideals can be subjective.

In the US, 'ideals' are often linked to the 'American Dream' and the Declaration of Independence. In the UK, they might be discussed in the context of 'fair play' and tradition.

The 'Olympic Ideals' of excellence, friendship, and respect. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech, which is a masterpiece of appealing to national ideals. Plato's 'Republic,' which discusses the ideal state.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Politics

Democratic ideals
Founding ideals
Betrayal of ideals
Political ideals

Ethics/Philosophy

Moral ideals
Aesthetic ideals
Platonic ideals
Uphold one's ideals

Personal Growth

Personal ideals
Live up to your ideals
High ideals
Ideals of youth

Business/Corporate

Corporate ideals
Ideals of service
Professional ideals
Compromising ideals

Art/Beauty

Beauty ideals
Artistic ideals
Classical ideals
Changing ideals

대화 시작하기

"What are some of the most important ideals that you try to live by every day?"

"Do you think it's possible for a politician to be successful without compromising their ideals?"

"How have your personal ideals changed since you were a child?"

"Do you believe that society is moving closer to its ideals of equality and justice?"

"Is it better to have unreachable ideals or to be completely practical and realistic?"

일기 주제

Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a practical benefit and one of your core ideals. What did you decide?

Describe what your 'ideal' version of your community would look like. What specific ideals would it be based on?

Write about a person you admire. What ideals do they represent to you, and how do they show them?

How do the ideals of your culture differ from the ideals of other cultures you have learned about?

Is 'idealism' a strength or a weakness in the modern world? Explain your reasoning with examples.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'ideal' can be a singular noun, but it usually means 'a perfect example of something' (e.g., 'He is the ideal of a gentleman'). When referring to a person's set of principles or values, we almost always use the plural 'ideals'.

It depends on the context. In a positive sense, it means you have high standards and hope for a better world. In a negative sense, it can mean you are impractical, naive, or ignoring the 'real' facts of a situation.

Morals are specific beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior. Ideals are broader standards of perfection. Your morals might be based on your ideals. For example, if your ideal is 'universal love,' your morals will tell you it is wrong to hurt others.

In business, 'ideals' is often used in mission statements or discussions about corporate social responsibility. For example, 'Our company strives to uphold the ideals of sustainability and fair trade.'

Yes, we often speak of 'beauty ideals' or 'aesthetic ideals.' These are the standards of what a society considers to be perfectly beautiful at a specific time.

These are the original principles that were used to start a country, organization, or movement. For example, the founding ideals of the United States include liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Yes, 'ideals' is generally considered a formal or semi-formal word. In very casual conversation, people are more likely to use 'beliefs' or 'values'.

Common verbs include: uphold, maintain, pursue, strive for, cherish, embody, reflect, betray, sacrifice, and compromise.

You can, but it usually refers to a specific thing or person (e.g., 'My ideal is a quiet life'). If you are talking about your principles, it is better to say 'One of my ideals is...' or 'My ideals include...'

There isn't one perfect opposite, but 'realities' or 'practicalities' are often used in contrast. In a moral sense, 'corruption' or 'cynicism' could be seen as opposites.

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