Dreamer vs. Idealist: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
A dreamer is someone who envisions goals and fantasies, often without focusing on practicalities. An idealist, on the other hand, seeks to achieve high principles and ideals, emphasizing the pursuit of perfection in reality.
Key Differences
A dreamer often lives in a world of imagination, visualizing future possibilities without necessarily considering the steps needed to achieve them. This imaginative nature makes dreamers creative and visionary but sometimes disconnected from practical realities. An idealist, while also focused on future possibilities, is more grounded in the pursuit of ideals and perfection. Idealists aim to align their actions with their high principles, striving to improve the world according to their vision of how it should be.
Dreamers tend to be more focused on personal aspirations and fantasies, enjoying the act of imagining what could be. They may or may not take concrete actions towards these dreams, often finding satisfaction in the dreaming itself. Idealists, however, are driven by a moral or ethical framework that guides their actions. They are not content with just imagining a better world but are committed to taking steps to realize their ideals.
While dreamers might be seen as having their heads in the clouds, disconnected from reality, idealists are often seen as principled individuals who work tirelessly to bring their ideals into practice. This practical application of ideals is a distinguishing feature of idealists compared to dreamers. Idealists often engage in activism or reform, aiming to create tangible changes.
Dreamers inspire through their vision and creativity, offering new ways of thinking and seeing the world. Idealists, on the other hand, inspire through their dedication and commitment to ethical principles, often leading by example. Both play crucial roles in society, with dreamers opening up new possibilities and idealists working to make those possibilities real.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Personal aspirations and fantasies
High principles and moral ideals
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Practicality
Often lacks focus on practical steps
Emphasizes practical steps to achieve ideals
Motivation
Enjoys imagining future possibilities
Driven by a moral or ethical framework
Action
May not take concrete actions
Actively works to realize ideals
Perception
Seen as imaginative and visionary
Seen as principled and committed
Dreamer and Idealist Definitions
Dreamer
Someone who envisions imaginative ideas or fantasies.
As a child, she was always a dreamer, thinking of magical lands.
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Idealist
A person who aims to implement their ethical beliefs in practice.
The idealist worked tirelessly for social justice reform.
Dreamer
Someone with ambitious goals, often seen as unrealistic.
She was labeled a dreamer for her plans to travel to Mars.
Idealist
An individual who is guided by idealistic beliefs.
The politician was an idealist, focusing on integrity and honesty.
Dreamer
A person who indulges in daydreams or fantasies.
He was a dreamer, often lost in thought about his future.
Idealist
Someone committed to high principles or ideals.
As an idealist, he believed in the possibility of world peace.
Dreamer
An individual who visualizes creative and visionary concepts.
Entrepreneurs need to be dreamers to innovate and succeed.
Idealist
A person who believes in and strives for an ideal world.
Environmentalists are often idealists, hoping to protect the planet.
Dreamer
One that dreams.
Idealist
One whose conduct or thinking is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations.
Dreamer
A visionary.
Idealist
An artist or writer whose work is imbued with idealism.
Dreamer
An idealist.
Idealist
An adherent of any system of philosophical idealism.
Dreamer
A habitually impractical person.
Idealist
(philosophy) One who adheres to idealism.
Dreamer
One who dreams.
Idealist
Someone whose conduct stems from idealism rather than from practicality.
Dreamer
Someone whose beliefs are far from realistic.
Idealist
An unrealistic or impractical visionary.
Dreamer
Any anglerfish of the family Oneirodidae.
Idealist
One who idealizes; one who forms picturesque fancies; one given to romantic expectations.
Dreamer
(Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Idealist
One who holds the doctrine of idealism, in any sense. In senses 4 and 5 of idealism, opposed to realist.
Dreamer
One who dreams.
Idealist
Someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
Dreamer
A visionary; one lost in wild imaginations or vain schemes of some anticipated good; as, a political dreamer.
Idealist
Someone who pursues perfection in their actions and goals.
She was an idealist, always striving for excellence in her work.
Dreamer
Someone who is dreaming
Dreamer
Someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
Dreamer
A person who escapes into a world of fantasy
Dreamer
A person whose thoughts are primarily aspirational rather than practical.
The artist was a dreamer, filled with visions of what could be.
FAQs
Can a dreamer also be an idealist?
Yes, a person can be both, envisioning imaginative goals and working practically to achieve high principles.
Are idealists always practical?
Idealists aim to be practical, but their high principles can sometimes lead to challenges in implementation.
What is the primary difference between a dreamer and an idealist?
A dreamer focuses on imaginative visions, often without practical steps, while an idealist pursues high principles and practical steps to achieve their ideals.
How do dreamers and idealists approach challenges?
Dreamers may use creativity to envision solutions, while idealists approach challenges with a focus on aligning with their principles.
Do dreamers contribute to society?
Yes, dreamers contribute through their creativity and visionary ideas, inspiring innovation and new possibilities.
Is being a dreamer considered unrealistic?
Being a dreamer can be seen as unrealistic, but it is also essential for imagining and creating new possibilities.
What motivates an idealist?
Idealists are motivated by their ethical beliefs and a desire to improve the world according to their ideals.
Can idealists be seen as stubborn?
Idealists can sometimes be perceived as stubborn due to their strong commitment to their principles.
Do dreamers take action towards their goals?
Dreamers may or may not take concrete actions, as they often find satisfaction in the act of dreaming itself.
Can an idealist face challenges in a pragmatic world?
Yes, idealists may face challenges when their high principles clash with practical realities.
What drives a dreamer?
Dreamers are driven by their imagination and the joy of envisioning future possibilities.
Do dreamers need practical partners?
Dreamers often benefit from practical partners who can help turn their visions into reality.
How do idealists impact social change?
Idealists often lead social change by advocating for and working towards the realization of their high principles.
Can idealists be effective leaders?
Idealists can be effective leaders by inspiring others with their commitment to high principles and ethical practices.
What is the role of a dreamer in a team?
In a team, a dreamer can provide visionary ideas and inspire creativity.
Is it possible to balance being a dreamer and an idealist?
Yes, balancing both can lead to visionary goals achieved through practical, ethical actions.
Is it beneficial to be a dreamer in business?
Yes, being a dreamer in business can drive innovation and creative thinking.
How do dreamers influence culture?
Dreamers influence culture by introducing new ideas and perspectives that can shift societal norms.
What is the biggest challenge for an idealist?
The biggest challenge for an idealist is often finding practical ways to implement their high principles in a complex world.
How do idealists handle setbacks?
Idealists handle setbacks by staying committed to their principles and adjusting their approach to align with their ideals.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
