The words ideals, idyll, idle, and idol all have different origins and meanings, and their usages have evolved over time. Here’s an outline focusing on their development, particularly in English after the 14th century:

1. Ideals

• Origin: Derives from the Greek word idea via Latin ideal and French idéal. Its modern sense emerges from the late medieval or early Renaissance philosophical traditions.
• 14th Century and Beyond:
  • 15th Century: The term ideal was linked with Platonic philosophy, referring to the notion of perfect forms or concepts.
  • 17th Century Onwards: By this time, ideal was used to describe perfection in abstract or moral qualities, or as a standard of excellence.
  • 19th Century: The plural form ideals became widely used to refer to personal or societal aspirations (e.g., moral, political, or aesthetic ideals).

2. Idyll

• Origin: From Greek eidyllion (a short poem or scene), through Latin idyllium and French idylle.
• 14th Century: The term was not yet present in English, but Greek and Latin poetry already featured pastoral themes.
• 16th Century (Renaissance): The word entered English and was associated with short, descriptive, often pastoral poems or scenes of rural life.
• 19th Century: The word idyll broadened to describe any peaceful, picturesque, or idealized scenes of rural or simple life. It also extended metaphorically to ideal moments or harmonious episodes in real life.

3. Idle

• Origin: Old English īdel (meaning "empty, useless, vain").
• 14th Century: Idle retained much of its Old English sense of "empty" or "vain." It was often used to describe nonproductive people or pursuits.
• 15th-16th Century: The term took on more negative connotations, often associated with laziness, inactivity, or moral failure (e.g., idle hands being considered the devil's workshop).
• Modern Usage: The word has retained its negative connotations of laziness or inactivity, but it can also mean something that is simply not in use (e.g., an idle engine) or time that is spent without purposeful activity.

4. Idol

• Origin: From Greek eidolon (meaning "image" or "phantom"), through Latin idolum and Old French idole.
• 14th Century: The term was used in the religious sense to refer to a false god or an object of worship, often with negative connotations in a Christian context (as in idolatry).
• 16th Century: The meaning expanded to refer to anything that is excessively admired or revered (e.g., literary idols, political idols).
• Modern Usage: The word now refers to figures or objects of excessive admiration, whether in religious, cultural, or personal contexts (e.g., a pop idol). It is often used in both religious and secular contexts today.

Summary:

• Ideals: Concepts of moral or aesthetic perfection, emerging strongly in post-Renaissance English.
• Idyll: Originally associated with pastoral poetry, later generalized to peaceful, idealized scenes or moments.
• Idle: From Old English meaning "useless" or "vain," evolving to describe inactivity or laziness.
• Idol: Originally a religious term for false gods, later used for figures or objects of admiration.

Each of these words traces its roots back to different linguistic influences but has adapted in meaning to fit the evolving needs of English language and culture, particularly from the Renaissance through to the modern era.