idea

[ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] / aɪˈdi ə, aɪˈdiə /

NOUN

a conception or thought.

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belief concept conception conclusion design feeling form intention interpretation meaning notion objective opinion perception plan scheme sense solution suggestion theory thought understanding view

STRONG

aim approximation brainstorm clue conviction doctrine essence estimate fancy flash guess hint hypothesis import impression inkling intimation judgment object pattern purpose reason significance suspicion teaching viewpoint

Antonyms

STRONGEST

reality thing

STRONG

insignificance measurement truth

Usage

What are other ways to say idea? The noun idea, although it may refer to thoughts of any degree of seriousness or triviality, is commonly used for mental concepts considered more important or elaborate: We pondered the idea of the fourth dimension. The idea of his arrival frightened me. Thought, which reflects its primary emphasis on the mental process, may denote any concept except the more weighty and elaborate ones: I welcomed his thoughts on the subject. A thought came to him. Conception suggests a thought that seems complete, individual, recent, or somewhat intricate: The architect's conception delighted them. Notion suggests a fleeting, vague, or imperfect thought: a bare notion of how to proceed.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During his 25-minute news conference, the former Columbus Crew head coach also took issue with the idea he plays with a back five and says it is more complex than that.

From BBC

The meeting of the TV tribes had to happen on neutral territory, and Macleod says he got the idea for the storyline from his own journeys back and forth between Manchester and Leeds.

From BBC

“Body positivity” refers to a loose set of ideas meant to reduce shame around appearance.

From The Wall Street Journal

They dissect ingredient lists, film unboxings and record "Get Ready With Me" videos built around ideas such as "glass skin", sheet masks and, of course, snail mucin.

From BBC

But behind the powdered-wig posturing and fusty adherence to tradition lies his radical idea: Progress is impossible without a past.

From The Wall Street Journal

idea

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words