idea Definition
idea (ī dē′ə)
noun
- something one thinks, knows, or imagines; a thought; mental conception or image; notion
- an opinion or belief
- a plan; scheme; project; intention; aim
- a hazy perception; vague impression; fanciful notion; inkling
- meaning or significance
- Music a theme or figure
- Philos. according to Plato, any of the unchanging, eternal, intelligible models or archetypes of which all material things are only imperfect imitations and from which their existence derives: in modern philosophy, used variously to mean the immediate object of thought, absolute truth, etc.
Etymology: L < Gr, form or appearance of a thing as opposed to its reality < IE *widswo- < base *weid-, to see, know > L videre, to see, Gr idein, to see, OE witan, to know
idea Synonyms
idea
n.
Something one thinks or knows
concept, conception, thought, notion, impression, inkling, construct; see also opinion 1, thought 2.A conviction
A plan
Fancy
Meaning
idea, the most general of these terms, may be applied to anything existing in the mind as an object of knowledge or thought; concept refers to a generalized idea of a class of objects, based on knowledge of particular instances of the class his concept of a republic; conception, often equivalent to concept, specifically refers to something conceived in the mind, or imagined my conception of how the role should be played; thought is used of any idea, whether or not expressed, that occurs to the mind in reasoning or contemplation she rarely speaks her thoughts; notion suggests a vague thought or one not fully considered I had a notion to go; impression also implies vagueness of an idea provoked by some external stimulus I have the impression that she's unhappy
idea Usage Examples
Preposition: of
socialism: That Europride 2006 is an excellent opportunity to raise the ideas of socialism with a new layer of young people from across Europe.
Converse of subject
- fascinate: If you are contemplating a barn project of your own, or are just fascinated by the idea, this book is for you.
- inspire: Not only pacifists, but also members of socialist groupings, many of whom were inspired by Marxist ideas.
Converse of object
- like: I don't like the idea of one group being favored over others.
- have: From quick tips, themes to further learning we have ideas to help you deliver maximum impact events with minimum input.
- get: Honestly, once these children get new ideas, there is no stopping them.
- explore: Explore any ideas you have about the usage of " back " by running the appropriate sorts on the concordance.
- develop: My subsequent book, Cities for a small planet, developed these ideas in greater depth.
- discuss: For those who prefer to discuss ideas directly, please contact Lizzie Phillips.
Adjective modifier
- good: By the end, you should have a better idea of what each grape's wine should taste like.
- innovative: Innovative ideas like this could be the key to regenerating some our more deprived areas.
- bad: Trying to save money by buying cheaper materials is a bad idea.
- basic: April 2004 - Added a whole new front end to the main pages, with better looking results, despite using basic ideas.
- new: Honestly, once these children get new ideas, there is no stopping them.
- creative: Participants tried the model out and the creative ideas flowed!
Noun used with modifier
- gift: For great gift ideas or a last minute gift for the one you love.
- exchange: Some give the opportunity for visitors to exchange ideas.
- share: And being below the radar, there's no way to share ideas between remote.. .
- novel: This novel idea was then taken forward in discussions with the Institutes.
- wedding: Unique Beach Wedding Receptions The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by imagination not tradition.
Browse dictionary entries near idea
- idea man ›
- ideal ›
- ideal point ›
- idealism ›
- idealist ›
- idealistic ›
- ideality ›
- idealization ›
- idealize ›
- ideally ›
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