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Definitions

idea

[ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] / aɪˈdi ə, aɪˈdiə /


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.

A team of analysts at Fundstrat Global Advisors disagrees with the idea that U.S. stocks look destined to experience a slower pace of appreciation in 2026.

From MarketWatch

"The general idea from our paper was discussed in 'The Big Bang Theory' years ago, but Sheldon and Leonard couldn't make it work," Zupan said.

From Science Daily

Groceries cost more, time feels thinner and the idea that eating well — both pleasurable and nourishing — should be attainable on a modest budget can feel almost quaint.

From Salon

"We are counting to get a rough idea of how many people support us," Jana, a first-year philosophy student, told AFP in Belgrade, while staffing one of nearly 500 stands nationwide.

From Barron's

"Its discovery shows we're always enjoying comedy, laughter and entertainment at Christmas and a good idea never stops being a good idea, even 10 years later."

From BBC