idealistic, a.
(aɪdiːəˈlɪstɪk)
[f. prec. + -ic.]
1. Pertaining to or characteristic of an idealist; belonging to or having the character of idealism (in various senses: see these words).
| 1829 Carlyle Misc. Ess., Novalis (1872) II. 207 As a Poet, Novalis is no less Idealistic than as a Philosopher. 1877 E. Caird Philos. Kant iv. 71 The idealistic individualism of Leibnitz. 1884 Fortn. Rev. Jan. 31 The best of all practical work is that produced in an idealistic spirit. |
2. Sociol. In the theory of P. A. Sorokin, a type of culture which is a synthesis of spiritual and material values. Cf. ideational a. 2 and sensate a.
| 1937 [see ideational a. 2]. 1952 A. L. Kroeber Nature of Culture i. xviii. 165/2 These ‘sensate’, ‘ideational’, and ‘idealistic’ supersystems are not segments of cultures at all... They are essentially polar qualities. 1965 C. P. & Z. K. Loomis Mod. Social Theories vii. 446 European culture is classified as idealistic during the 12th to 14th centuries. 1967 T. Parsons Sociol. Theory & Mod. Soc. iv. xii. 388 The idealistic pattern is conceived as intermediate between the two, not in the sense of a simple ‘compromise’, but rather of a synthesis which can achieve a harmonious balance between the two principal components. |
Hence ideaˈlistical a. rare = prec.; ideaˈlistically adv., in an idealistic manner.
| 1884 ‘Vern. Lee’ Euphorion II. 9 The old idealistical decorations. 1886 W. J. Tucker E. Europe 56 Independence, idealistically considered, is elysian, but when the sublime theory is brought into practice amongst a rude people..with nothing but agricultural labour to fall back upon, their position undergoes a devastating change. |