ideal type

noun

: an abstraction of features from empirical reality and their embodiment into a unified conceptual scheme of hypothetical validity
sees the ideal type of monogamy in Christian marriageRodney Needham
analysis of social situations by the use of ideal types

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideal type was in 1923

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ideal type

Cite this Entry

“Ideal type.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideal%20type. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!