A person whose choices are guided by high principles or a hopeful picture of what could be.
Reach for it when describing someone who pursues improvement from conviction rather than convenience
The idealist kept the long-term promise visible during every budget discussion.
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everyday
Fits when the person's defining trait is expecting favorable outcomes
Careful An optimist may expect success without being guided by moral ideals.
warm
Fits when imagination and possibility are the affectionate focus
Careful Dreamer can imply weak practical grounding, so it may undercut serious praise.
professional
Fits when the person actively changes an institution or practice
Careful A reformer is defined by action, whereas an idealist may still be contemplating.
professional
Fits when the person sees a compelling future others have not imagined
Careful Visionary emphasizes foresight, not necessarily principle.
formal
Fits when concern for human welfare motivates the person
Careful Humanitarian is too specific when the ideals concern art, science, or another field.
literary
utopian
Fits when the person's desired society assumes near-perfect conditions
Careful Utopian often carries skepticism and can misrepresent a realistic idealist.
committed idealist
The committed idealist learned enough finance to protect the mission.
young idealist
A young idealist asked the council to judge success over decades.
practical idealist
The practical idealist translated broad principles into a workable pilot.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Steve Shives, Mid-Atlantic US accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated
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