Definitions of ideal:

• noun:   the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
• noun:   model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
• adjective:   conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
• adjective:   of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas
• adjective:   constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception

  Example: "A poem or essay may be typical of its period in idea or ideal content"