What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idealist
Example
She is an idealist who believes that everyone should be treated equally. [idealist: noun]
Example
He has an idealistic view of the world and thinks that we can make it a better place. [idealistic: adjective]
utopian
Example
The novel describes a utopian society where everyone lives in harmony. [utopian: adjective]
Example
His ideas for solving poverty are utopian and cannot be implemented in the real world. [utopian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idealist is more commonly used than utopian in everyday language. Idealist is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while utopian is less common and usually refers to an imaginary or perfect society.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idealist and utopian?
Both idealist and utopian can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, utopian may be seen as more formal due to its association with literature and philosophy.