idea

Meaning

1. An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
2. (obsolete) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
3. (obsolete) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.
4. An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
5. More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
6. A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
7. A purposeful aim or goal; intent
8. A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.
9. A musical theme or melodic subject.

Synonyms

thought

💭

concept

notion

conception

opinion

plan

intention

view

meaning

suggestion

scheme

belief

thinking

🤔

theme

design

point

reflection

mind

desire

decision

method

wish

sense

motif

cogitation

estimation

inclination

gist

speculation

proposal

purpose

motive

melodic theme

aim

musical theme

consideration

image

feeling

strategy

solution

thing

reason

position

estimate

think

🤔

device

meditation

approximation

message

intent

Translations

idée

💡

Idee

💡

idea

💡

idea

💡

idee

💡

ideia

💡

idéia

Gedanke

💭

ιδέα

Plan

idea

gedachte

💭

begrip

Vorstellung

💡

Pronounced as (IPA)

/aɪ̯ˈdɪə̯/

Etymology

Cognate with French: idée

In summary

Borrowed from Latin idea (“a (Platonic) idea; archetype”), from Ancient Greek ἰδέα (idéa, “notion, pattern”), from εἴδω (eídō, “I see”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to know; see”). Cognate with French idée. Doublet of idée. Related to idol, idolum, and eidolon.

Sentences

I never had any such idea .

The idea frightened him .

A worthy idea that sadly goes nowhere .

In those days , very few of the people had any idea about astronomy .

I have no idea what complexity science is .