Slightly idealistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly idealistic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a viewpoint or belief that is somewhat optimistic or unrealistic, but not entirely so. Example: "Her approach to solving the community's issues is slightly idealistic, as she believes everyone will cooperate without any incentives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is no doubt that this is an ambitious, and maybe even slightly idealistic, goal but with a four schools now up and running in Israel from the Galilee region all the way down to Beersheba it certainly does not seem like an impossible one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That may be somewhat idealistic.

The Guardian

These expectations proved to be somewhat idealistic.

Health Policy and Planning

My dad and I are both romantic transcendentalists, slightly more idealistic versions of Slaughterhouse-Five's Billy Pilgrim, the main character who keeps getting unstuck in time.

Huffington Post

Alexander Parish – a British dancer who left the Royal Ballet for the Mariinsky in 2010 – makes an idealistic, slightly naïve hero, partnering her gently.

Independent

When Bell talks this way, he can sound an awful lot like the theological liberals of the twentieth century: scholarly reformers, idealistic but slightly smug, who were shown up by the preachers they derided as "extreme fundamentalists".

The New Yorker

The move is frustrating for SmartyPig savers, including myself, who thought the Pig was a bit different from the rest and had hoped that it had figured out a way to pay a slightly more competitive rate (idealistic, I know).

The New York Times

But the flood that changed everything two years ago has changed that too: Today, by accident and by necessity, this city is awash in ideas: the new and the ambitious, the au courant and avant-garde, the idealistic and the slightly nutty.

Los Angeles Times

It was also a mistake because it tarnishes (slightly) Obama's claim to represent a new kind of politics, more idealistic and participatory, less hard-nosed.

Huffington Post

Toby: Was it, was it a brand-new, 1960s, idealistic, "we'll educate the masses" library, or was it a slightly down-at-the-heel one?

The Guardian - Books

It's a slightly old-school idea — throwing everyone in the same room — which Tyler described in idealistic terms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly idealistic" to characterize plans, ideas, or individuals that possess a strong vision but might lack grounded practicality. It's most effective when acknowledging a balance between aspiration and feasibility.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly idealistic" when the situation demands a more pragmatic or realistic approach. It shouldn't undermine the necessity for concrete actions and achievable goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly idealistic" functions as an adjective modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It is used to qualify a noun or pronoun by ascribing a quality (idealism) with a degree of qualification (slightly). Ludwig AI confirms its usage in expressing tempered optimism. The examples show it modifying "goal", "versions", "hero", "politics" and "language".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly idealistic" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase, according to Ludwig AI, employed to describe something possessing ideals tempered with a dose of realism. It serves to convey that an idea or perspective is optimistic, but potentially not entirely practical. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and is considered a neutral register. While related phrases like "somewhat utopian" or "marginally optimistic" exist, "slightly idealistic" uniquely balances aspiration and feasibility, making it suitable for expressing nuanced viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat utopian

Emphasizes the impracticality and dreamlike quality, more so than "slightly idealistic".

Marginally optimistic

Focuses on the positive outlook, softening the implication of unrealism compared to "slightly idealistic".

A bit hopeful

Highlights the hopeful aspect, downplaying the element of being detached from reality compared to "slightly idealistic".

Mildly optimistic

Similar to "slightly idealistic" but places greater emphasis on positive expectations than practical considerations.

Somewhat visionary

Highlights a future-oriented, imaginative perspective, implying a focus on long-term goals more than present realities unlike "slightly idealistic".

A touch naive

Underscores a lack of experience or awareness of potential problems, emphasizing simplicity in thinking about "slightly idealistic".

Rather optimistic

Suggests a stronger degree of optimism, without directly addressing the realism of that optimism like "slightly idealistic".

A little fanciful

Suggests imagination and whimsy, deviating from practical or realistic expectations more than "slightly idealistic".

Somewhat unrealistic

Focuses on a detachment from reality, without necessarily implying a positive outlook as does "slightly idealistic".

A shade impractical

Highlights a lack of practicality without necessarily referencing an inclination toward lofty ideals unlike "slightly idealistic".

FAQs

How can I use "slightly idealistic" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly idealistic" to describe a plan or idea that is innovative and visionary but may not be entirely practical. For example, "Her proposal is "slightly idealistic", but it's worth considering".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slightly idealistic"?

Alternatives include "somewhat utopian", "marginally optimistic", or "a bit hopeful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "slightly idealistic" or completely realistic?

The ideal approach depends on the context. Being "slightly idealistic" can drive innovation and inspire creativity, while realism ensures practicality and feasibility. A balance of both is often the most effective strategy.

What's the difference between "slightly idealistic" and "very idealistic"?

"Slightly idealistic" implies a tempered approach with a touch of vision, whereas "very idealistic" suggests a strong, unwavering commitment to ideals, potentially at the expense of practicality. The former is more moderate, and the latter is more extreme.