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Definitions

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.

When researchers tested that idea using computer models, however, the results did not align with the physical characteristics seen in the data.

From Science Daily

Over on “The Bite,” I’ve written about returning to “ambient hospitality” — the idea of having a home that’s ready for company without weeks of planning, a small fortune, or a hired brigade of cleaners.

From Salon

The idea that work was once done strictly by people will seem quaint to some.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many delivery workers say they aren’t learning many new skills and have no idea what other work they could do.

From The Wall Street Journal

We have no idea where to find him most of the time.

From MarketWatch

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.