Idealist vs. Practical — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Idealists focus on envisioning perfect scenarios and high principles, while practical individuals prioritize effective, realistic solutions and actions.
Difference Between Idealist and Practical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Idealists are often driven by their visions of what could be, focusing on possibilities and theoretical perfection. On the other hand, practical people emphasize what is achievable and realistic, dealing with the world as it exists today.
Idealists may prioritize moral or ethical standards in decision-making, aspiring to align with ideal outcomes. Whereas practical individuals often make decisions based on efficiency, effectiveness, and tangible results.
Idealists can inspire change and innovation by imagining a better future. Conversely, practical people are essential for implementing ideas and ensuring functionality in real-world applications.
Idealists might struggle with disillusionment if ideals are not met. In contrast, practical individuals may face criticism for being too conservative or lacking vision.
Idealists often excel in roles that require visionary thinking, such as artists, writers, or leaders in social movements. Practical people thrive in positions where problem-solving and pragmatic decision-making are valued, such as in engineering, business, or management.
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Comparison Chart
Decision-making
Guided by ethical or moral standards
Based on efficiency and tangible results
Role in society
Inspires change and innovation
Implements ideas and ensures functionality
Challenges
May face disillusionment when ideals aren't met
Often viewed as conservative or lacking vision
Typical professions
Artists, writers, social leaders
Engineers, business managers, pragmatic fields
Compare with Definitions
Idealist
Someone who envisions and pursues high ethical, moral, or social values.
As an idealist, she campaigned tirelessly for world peace.
Practical
Related to real actions rather than theoretical or abstract ideas.
We need practical solutions, not just ideas.
Idealist
Characterized by idealism, aiming for perfection.
His idealist approach often led to disappointment in the less-than-perfect real world.
Practical
(of a person) Sensible and realistic in their approach.
She was practical about her chances of winning the contest.
Idealist
Focused on what should be rather than what is.
The politician’s idealist rhetoric appealed to young voters.
Practical
Capable of being done or put into effect; feasible.
The engineer offered a practical method to solve the flooding problem.
Idealist
A person who is guided by ideals, often without regard for practicalities.
The idealist planned a city with green spaces, without considering the urban budget constraints.
Practical
Designed for actual use; functional.
The design was not only beautiful but also practical.
Idealist
Unrealistically aiming for perfection.
His idealist goals seemed unreachable in the current political climate.
Practical
Concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than theories.
His practical knowledge of carpentry made him a valuable asset.
Idealist
One whose conduct or thinking is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
There are two obvious practical applications of the research
Idealist
An artist or writer whose work is imbued with idealism.
Practical
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible
Neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
Idealist
An adherent of any system of philosophical idealism.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Idealist
(philosophy) One who adheres to idealism.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Idealist
Someone whose conduct stems from idealism rather than from practicality.
Practical
Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory or speculation
Gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
Idealist
An unrealistic or impractical visionary.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Idealist
One who idealizes; one who forms picturesque fancies; one given to romantic expectations.
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Idealist
One who holds the doctrine of idealism, in any sense. In senses 4 and 5 of idealism, opposed to realist.
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Idealist
Someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Practical
Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.
Jack didn't get an engineering degree, but has practical knowledge of metalworking.
Modern engineering applies science to practical problems.
Practical
Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use
Jack's knowledge has the practical benefit of giving us useful prototype parts.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical lighting can help sell the illusion that the film is a real situation.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Practical
Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
Practical
Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
Practical
Concerned with actual use or practice;
He is a very practical person
The idea had no practical application
A practical knowledge of Japanese
Woodworking is a practical art
Practical
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;
A hardheaded appraisal of our position
A hard-nosed labor leader
Completely practical in his approach to business
Not ideology but pragmatic politics
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Common Curiosities
Why is idealism important in society?
Idealism is important as it drives societal progress and innovation by challenging the status quo and envisioning better futures.
What is a drawback of being too idealistic?
Being overly idealistic can lead to disappointment and inefficiency when reality fails to meet high expectations.
What is a drawback of being too practical?
Being overly practical can sometimes stifle creativity and prevent the exploration of innovative solutions that require thinking outside the box.
How can idealists and practical people work together effectively?
They can combine strengths by allowing idealists to generate visionary ideas and practical individuals to implement these ideas realistically.
Can a person be both idealistic and practical in their decision-making?
Yes, integrating idealism with practicality in decision-making can lead to balanced and sustainable outcomes.
What role do idealists play in politics?
Idealists often drive political debates and movements by advocating for reforms and policies that aspire to high moral and ethical standards.
How do idealists influence others?
Idealists often inspire and motivate others by presenting compelling visions of what could be, thus encouraging change and improvement.
What are the benefits of being practical?
Being practical ensures that plans are achievable, increases efficiency, and reduces the risk of failure by focusing on feasible solutions.
What challenges do practical people face in visionary environments?
Practical individuals might struggle in highly visionary environments where practical limitations are often overlooked in favor of ambitious goals.
What role do practical individuals play in technology?
Practical individuals in technology focus on developing usable, reliable solutions and ensuring that innovations are applicable in real-world scenarios.
How does idealism affect leadership?
Idealistic leaders can profoundly impact their followers by setting high ethical standards and ambitious goals, fostering a strong sense of purpose.
How does practicality affect day-to-day life?
Practicality helps individuals manage daily challenges efficiently, make quick decisions, and solve problems effectively.
How do educational approaches differ for idealists and practical people?
Idealists may prefer educational approaches that emphasize concepts and theories, whereas practical people favor hands-on, applied learning experiences.
How do idealism and practicality influence art?
In art, idealism can manifest as expressive and visionary works that challenge societal norms, while practicality might focus on technique and marketability.
What strategies can help balance idealism and practicality in a team setting?
Strategies include defining clear roles for visionary and implementation tasks, encouraging open communication, and setting realistic benchmarks and visionary goals together.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
