i·de·al·ism ( -d   -l z m)n. 1. The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal form. 2. Pursuit of one's ideals. 3. Idealized treatment of a subject in literature or art. 4. Philosophy The theory that the object of external perception, in itself or as perceived, consists of ideas. |
idealism [aɪˈdɪəˌlɪzəm]
idealism
Idealism
bullish Optimistic, hopeful, confident. In the world of finance, a “bull” is an investor who speculates in stocks or commodities in anticipation of a profit to be realized when the market prices increase. Thus, the “bull” believes that the general business climate is or will soon be favorable. Bullish is used in other, non-monetary contexts as well.
A related term, bearish, also derived from stock market jargon, describes a pessimistic outlook. Since a “bear” believes financial conditions are worsening, he may try to sell short, hoping to repurchase the stocks or securities at a lower price at some future date. Since both “bulls” and “bears” often buy the rights to trade stocks on margin, i.e., at a percentage of their true market value, the “bear” may, in effect, sell what he has not yet purchased. It has therefore been conjectured that the origin of bear may lie in the proverb to sell the bearskin before one has caught the bear. As early as 1721, Nathan Bailey’s Universal Etymological English Dictionary included the following: “to sell a bear: to sell what one hath not.”
hitch one’s wagon to a star To aim high, to have high ideals, to be idealistic. Ralph Waldo Emerson apparently coined this metaphor which appeared in his Society and Solitude (1870):
Now that is the wisdom of a man
… to hitch his wagon to a star.
look through rose-colored glasses To be cheerfully optimistic; to see things in a bright, rosy, favorable light. The color of a rose has long connoted optimism, cheerfulness, and promise.
Oxford was a sort of Utopia to the Captain…. He continued … to behold towers, and quadrangles, and chapels, … through rose-coloured spectacles. (Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown at Oxford, 1861)
Implicit in this expression is the suggestion that a rosy view is unwarranted, perhaps even detrimental.
Pollyanna An incurable optimist. This expression comes from Eleanor Porter’s book Pollyanna, in which the title character was a cheery little girl whose blitheness and buoyancy raised the spirits of all whom she met. In contemporary usage, however, this term is often applied disparagingly to one who exists in a fool’s paradise.
| Noun | 1. | idealism - (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy |
| 2. | idealism - impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are impracticality - concerned with theoretical possibilities rather than actual use romanticism - impractical romantic ideals and attitudes knight errantry, quixotism - quixotic (romantic and impractical) behavior | |
| 3. | idealism - elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued magnanimousness, nobleness, grandeur, nobility - the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct |
idealism
"Idealism is the noble toga that political gentlemen drape over their will to power" [Aldous Huxley]
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