idéalisme

idealism

noun ee-deh-ah-LEEZ-muh Rare

Usage Note

Idéalisme spans both philosophy (the doctrine that reality is mind-dependent, as in Kant's idealism) and everyday use for an optimistic belief in high principles. Its opposite is le réalisme or le pragmatisme. The related adjective idéaliste can describe a person or an outlook.

Examples

"Son idéalisme le pousse à agir pour la justice."

Natural Translation

His idealism drives him to act for justice.

Literal Translation

His idealism him pushes to act for justice.

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