idea

/ai'diə/
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idea

A lightbulb appears above the character's head as they have an idea.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A thought, concept, or mental impression: An "idea" is something formed in the mind, such as a thought, suggestion, or plan.
    • An opinion or belief: An "idea" can also represent a personal view or conviction about something.
    • A purpose or intention: It can refer to the aim or objective behind an action.
    • A vague notion or impression: It can indicate a general understanding or feeling about something, not necessarily precise.
    • A musical theme: In music, an "idea" is a melodic subject or motif that forms the basis of a composition.
Examples of Usage
  • As a thought or concept:
    • She had a brilliant idea for a new novel.
    • The idea of freedom is important to them.
  • As an opinion or belief:
    • He has some strange ideas about politics.
    • What's your idea of a perfect vacation?
  • As a purpose or intention:
    • The idea of the exercise is to improve teamwork.
    • My idea was to finish the work early.
  • As a vague notion:
    • I have no idea what you're talking about.
    • Can you give me an idea of the cost?
  • As a musical theme:
    • The composer developed the main idea throughout the symphony.
Advanced Usage
  • "To get the idea": to understand something.
    • After explaining it twice, he finally got the idea.
  • "To have no idea": to be completely unaware or ignorant of something.
    • I had no idea the meeting was canceled.
  • "The very idea!": an exclamation expressing shock or disapproval at a suggestion.
    • You want me to apologize? The very idea!
  • "To toy with the idea": to consider something casually or without serious commitment.
    • She's toying with the idea of moving abroad.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ideal (noun/adjective): A standard of perfection; or, representing a perfect standard.
    • She is his ideal of beauty. (noun)
    • This is an ideal solution. (adjective)
  • Ideate (verb): To form an idea or conception of.
    • The team will ideate new marketing strategies.
  • Ideation (noun): The process of forming ideas.
    • The workshop focused on creative ideation.
Synonyms
  • Concept: An abstract idea or general notion.
  • Thought: An idea or mental process.
  • Notion: A vague or general idea or understanding.
  • Plan: A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
  • Impression: A vague idea, feeling, or opinion.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Idea" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs. This section lists common verb phrases involving the concept of ideas.) - Come up with an idea: To think of or suggest an idea. - We need to come up with an idea for the project. - Run an idea by someone: To present an idea to someone for their opinion. - Can I run an idea by you? - Shoot down an idea: To reject an idea decisively. - The manager shot down our proposal immediately.

Related Idioms
  • "Bright idea": A clever or intelligent idea (often used sarcastically).
    • Whose bright idea was it to leave the door unlocked?
  • "Put ideas into someone's head": To suggest something, often something ambitious or troublesome, to someone.
    • Don't put ideas into his head about quitting his job.
  • "Food for thought": Something that warrants serious consideration or thinking about (an idea that provokes thought).
    • His lecture provided plenty of food for thought.
idea

A lightbulb appears above the character's head as they have an idea.

Noun
  1. (music) melodic subject of a musical composition
    • the theme is announced in the first measures
    • the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
  2. an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
    • an estimate of what it would cost
    • a rough idea how long it would take
  3. a personal view
    • he has an idea that we don't like him
  4. your intention; what you intend to do
    • he had in mind to see his old teacher
    • the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces
  5. the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
    • it was not a good idea
    • the thought never entered my mind