idea
//aɪ̯ˈdɪə̯//
Forms
- Plural
- ideas
Definitions
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.
- I said it wasn't a very good idea.
- I have no idea how I did it.
- I had a good idea.
2.An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
- The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.
3.More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
- Ideas won't go to jail.
4.A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
- I have an idea of how we might escape.
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #263
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Synonyms
Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *weyd-der.
Ancient Greek ῐ̓δεῖν (ĭdeîn)
Ancient Greek ῐ̓δέᾱ (ĭdéā)der.
Latin ideabor.
English idea