Words / B2

y-DEE-uh-lee/aɪˈdiːəli/

Ideally means in a perfect situation: ideally we would…; ideally in March. Preferably is close but weaker. Ideally the fieldwork is in March. Use it to mark a hope, then state what actually happened. Do not start every paragraph with ideally.

Meaning

In a perfect situation; if things were as you would like.

Examples

• “Ideally the fieldwork is in March, but the tide tables slipped.”
• “Ideally every script is scanned; this centre still uses paper, which is the contrast.”

Good to know

ideally + clause. Close: preferably. Signals a preferred world, then reality. Planning, methods, and itineraries.

Near in meaning

preferably

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