adv.
Pronunciation: ī - ' d ē - ə -l ē , - ' d ē (- ə )l-l ē
Function: adverb
Date: 1598
1 : in idea or imagination : MENTALLY
2 : in relation to an exemplar
3 a : conformably to or in respect to an ideal : PERFECTLY b : for best results < ideally , the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant ― T. M. Martinez> c : in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : CLASSICALLY