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idea

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The definition of an idea is a thought, belief, opinion or plan.

(noun)

An example of idea is a chef coming up with a new menu item.

See idea in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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.

Origin: 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

See idea in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Something, such as a thought or conception, that potentially or actually exists in the mind as a product of mental activity.
An opinion, conviction, or principle: has some strange political ideas.
A plan, scheme, or method.
The gist of a specific situation; significance: The idea is to finish the project under budget.
A notion; a fancy.
Music A theme or motif.
Philosophy
a. In the philosophy of Plato, an archetype of which a corresponding being in phenomenal reality is an imperfect replica.
b. In the philosophy of Kant, a concept of reason that is transcendent but nonempirical.
c. In the philosophy of Hegel, absolute truth; the complete and ultimate product of reason.
Obsolete A mental image of something remembered.