ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
a
: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly
b
: for best results
ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicantT. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally

Examples of ideally in a Sentence

His skills made him ideally suited for the job. They were ideally suited to one another. The ski slope was situated ideally.
Recent Examples on the Web Blackwell recommends the following steps to prepare for this long-overdue discussion: Document your accomplishments and contributions, ideally in hard numbers. Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Opting for blue-light-filtering or anti-glare glasses and putting some space between you and your computer (ideally two feet), can also ease the intensity, per Dr. Tzikas. Julia Sullivan, SELF, 14 Mar. 2024 According to the brand, your body should ideally be between 82 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit when asleep, and these sheets are designed to keep you in that range. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2024 Because of these special needs, Velcro required a home with certain specifications — calm, slow-paced, ideally one story — which unfortunately extended his stay at the Texas shelter. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion or cramps, they should be moved to a cooler place, ideally air-conditioned, and should drink water every 15 minutes. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 The good enough method: Put nuts in a glass container, ideally one with as little empty space as possible. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Mar. 2024 The $1 billion investment ideally caps a rough period for NYCB. Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 The entire play is like that: ideally worded, ingeniously structured, sinewy and swift. Jesse Green, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ideally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideally was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near ideally

Cite this Entry

“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb
ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly
ideally suited to the job
2
: for best results
ideally, each student should arrive early

More from Merriam-Webster on ideally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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