ideal

The word ideal is an absolute adjective that people often use incorrectly.

On this page

• “Ideal”: Meaning
• “Ideal”: Absolute adjective
• “Ideal”: Avoid comparative and superlative forms
• Additional information

“Ideal”: Meaning

Ideal means that something is perfect or the best possible:

• That candidate has the ideal combination of talent and experience.
• Prince Edward Island is an ideal vacation spot in summer.

“Ideal”: Absolute adjective

Ideal is an absolute adjective, which means it already expresses a complete state. It can’t vary in degree.

To better illustrate this point, here’s another absolute adjective: empty. We can write “the bucket is empty,” but it’s illogical to write that it’s “a little empty” or “very empty.” In other words, we can’t use the comparative form (more empty) or the superlative form (most empty) with absolute adjectives.

“Ideal”: Avoid comparative and superlative forms

Because ideal already expresses the idea that something is perfect or the best, the word ideal can’t vary in degree. Something can be ideal or not ideal; but it can’t logically be more ideal or most ideal.

For that reason, you should avoid the comparative and superlative forms more ideal and most ideal in your writing.

• You couldn’t find a better [not more ideal] place for your honeymoon.
• We found the ideal [not most ideal] site to build a cottage.

Additional information

• Adjective/adverb aptitude
• Adjective comparison
• Using the comparative and superlative