thought
/θɔːt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
An idea, plan, or opinion in your mind. It can be a single thing you think, or the act of thinking itself.
- That thought stayed with me all day.
- She had a strange thought during the meeting.
- I couldn't follow his line of thought.
- 2.
Careful thinking about something. This use often appears in formal writing or phrases like "with thought."
- The plan needs more thought.
- He spoke with great thought.
- Please give it some thought.
Adinary Nuance
Thought is often broader than idea. An idea is a new mental image or suggestion, while a thought can be any thing in the mind, including a passing worry or opinion. It is also more general than reflection, which usually means deeper, slower thinking. In phrases like "give it some thought," thought means careful consideration.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ý nghĩ
- Spanish
- pensamiento
- Chinese
- 想法
- Japanese
- 考え
- Korean
- 생각
Etymology
Thought comes from Old English "geþoht", from the verb "think". It has been used in English for many centuries.
Common phrases
give it some thoughta thought came to methought processline of thought
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "thought" singular or plural?
- "Thought" is singular. The plural is "thoughts."
- What is the difference between "thought" and "idea"?
- "Thought" is wider. An "idea" is usually a new suggestion or plan.
- Is "thought" formal?
- The word itself is common. In phrases like "give it some thought," it sounds natural in both speech and writing.