Webster's English Dictionary

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idealism

ide.al.ism \-'de--(*-).liz-*m\ n 1a1: a theory that ultimate reality lies 
   in a realm transcending phenomena  1a2: a theory that the essential nature 
   of reality lies in consciousness or  reason 1b1: a theory that only the 
   perceptible is real  1b2: a theory that only mental states or entities are 
   knowable  2a: the practice of forming ideals or living under their 
   influence  2b: something that is idealized  3: literary or artistic theory 
   or practice that values ideal or subjective  types or aspects of beauty 
   more than formal or sensible qualities or that affirms the preeminent value 
   of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature