adv
ideally
eye-DEER-lee
adv
1
In the best or most perfect way possible.
"Ideally, the team would finish the project a week early."
"You should ideally back up your files before updating the software."
2
In a way that only exists as an idea or theory, not in practice.
"Ideally speaking, the plan makes sense, but reality rarely cooperates."
How to Use Ideally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to describe what would happen under perfect conditions.
Common pairings
ideally suited
ideally located
ideally placed
Word Forms
more ideally comparative, most ideally superlative
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_____, the team would finish the project a week early.
Etymology
From ideal + -ly.