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Definitions

idea

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


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.

See Examples For:

The sci-fi folk idea persists, however, on the closing track Torn – a duet with Dolly Parton, that became the country star's last ever recording.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

Again and again, I thought: “About a Boy” did this exact same idea 10 times better.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

The idea behind a Roth conversion is to withdraw tax-deferred money, pay the tax due and then move it into a tax-free account.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026

It was an idea about what journalism could be, born at a moment when the internet was still a largely unexplored frontier.

From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026

“They had no idea what they were doing.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

You came to Salon for the journalism, the dialogue, the essays, the criticism, the unexpected discoveries and the sense that there was a place on the internet where ideas mattered.

From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026

This is in marked contrast with some of the other Liberties on view, like the 1839 small bronze work by French sculptor David d’Angers, whose Romantic ideas animated his figure’s menacing weapon and defiant headgear.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026

"Your ideas and your creativity are a lot more valued because you actually get to implement those firsthand, and the responsibility you take on is a lot greater because of that," says London-based Clinton, 23.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

For all Schrager’s ideas of community and the club, the Eckhaus Latta party was proof of concept: A preview for how L.A. will use the space in months to come.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

My aunt had other ideas about the trip, which she made clear that night on the porch.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney


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