idea
eye-DEER
Idea (noun) means a thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind. Example: “She had a great idea for a new business.”
noun
1
A thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind.
"She had a great idea for a new business."
"I have no idea where I left my keys."
"Whose idea was it to hold the picnic in the rain?"
2
A general concept, notion, or way of thinking about something.
"The book explores the idea of freedom in modern society."
"The idea that everyone should learn to cook is quite popular nowadays."
"Some cultures have a very different idea of what politeness means."
How to use idea
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thought that pops into your mind — a plan, a concept, or an impression of something.
Common pairings
have an idea
a bright idea
no idea
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Word forms
- Plural
- ideas, ideæ
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had a great _____ for a new business.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek idea ("form" or "pattern"), rooted in eidō, "to see" — the same root gives us "idol" and "eidolon". Latin borrowed it as idea, and English took it from there.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for idea
See all rhymes for idea →Frequently asked questions
What does “idea” mean?
The word “idea” means a thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind. In plain terms, a thought that pops into your mind — a plan, a concept, or an impression of something.
How do you pronounce “idea”?
“Idea” is pronounced eye-DEER (/aɪ̯ˈdi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “idea” in a sentence?
Here is “idea” used in a sentence: “She had a great idea for a new business.”
What is another word for “idea”?
Words with a similar meaning to “idea” include image.
What part of speech is “idea”?
“Idea” is a noun.
Where does the word “idea” come from?
The word “idea” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek idea ("form" or "pattern"), rooted in eidō, "to see" — the same root gives us "idol" and "eidolon". Latin borrowed it as idea, and English took it from there.
Is “idea” a common word?
“Idea” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “idea” have?
“Idea” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind.
What is the difference between an idea and a concept?
An idea is a specific thought or suggestion that forms in the mind, often about what to do or make. A concept is broader and more abstract - a general notion or principle built up from many ideas and observations. You have an idea for a story; you grasp the concept of gravity.
What is the difference between an idea and a thought?
Every idea is a thought, but not every thought is an idea. A thought is any mental activity - a memory, a feeling, or a stray notion. An idea is a more purposeful thought, usually a plan, suggestion, or insight aimed at solving a problem or creating something new.
What is an example of an idea?
Deciding to start a garden, sketching a new invention, or suggesting a theme for a party are all ideas. So is an insight like 'we could save time by meeting online.' An idea can be practical or creative, fully formed or just a rough mental impression.
Can an idea be owned or protected?
An idea by itself usually cannot be owned - the law protects the expression of an idea, not the idea alone. Patents, copyrights, and trademarks safeguard specific inventions, writings, and brands, but the underlying concept stays free for others to develop in their own way.
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