ideaalin

Ideaalin is the genitive singular form of the Finnish noun ideali, which means "an ideal" or "a standard of perfection." In everyday and scholarly use, idealin is employed to indicate possession or to form phrases that describe relations to an ideal, such as idealin mukaan (according to the ideal) or idealin tavoite (the goal of the ideal). The term appears across philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, and social discourse, where it helps distinguish aspirational standards from concrete realities.

Etymology and related forms: Ideali is a loanword adopted into Finnish from European languages, commonly linked to French idéal or Swedish ideal. The root conveys the notion of a perfect form or standard. The related adjective ide a alinen means "ideal," and other related terms include ihanne, which also denotes an ideal but with nuanced usage related to cherished or sought-after goals.

Usage notes: Ideali and its inflected forms, including ideaalin, are neutral in tone but frequently carry normative or prescriptive nuances depending on context. For example, idealin mukaan can express adherence to a standard, while idealin saavuttaminen refers to the attainment of that standard. In some contexts, speakers contrast ideals with actual conditions to critique or assess practices, institutions, or policies.

Related terms: Ideali is closely connected to ide a alinen (the adjective form) and ihanne (another word for an ideal, often with a slightly different emphasis). In philosophical or political writing, ideali serves as a key reference point for evaluating theories and actions.

See also: idealaaminen, ideaalinen (the adjective form), ihanne. Ideaalin is the genitive form used in phrases that relate to the concept of an ideal.