idea — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.

   Examples

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   The idea that the same experiments always get the same results, no matter who performs them, is one of the cornerstones of science’s claim to objective truth. If a systematic campaign of replication does not lead to the same results, then either the original research is flawed (as the replicators claim) or the replications are (as many of the original researchers on priming contend). Either way, something is awry.

2. The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

3. The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

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   The remembrance whereof (which yet I beare deepely imprinted in my minde) representing me her visage and Idea so lively and so naturally, doth in some sort reconcile me unto her.

4. An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.

   Examples

   The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.

5. More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.

   Examples

   That is an interesting idea.

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   Now all this was very fine, but not at all in keeping with the Celebrity's character as I had come to conceive it. The idea that adulation ever cloyed on him was ludicrous in itself. In fact I thought the whole story fishy, and came very near to saying so.

   Ideas won't go to jail.

6. A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.

   Examples

   I have an idea for dinner.

   I have an idea of how we might escape.

7. A purposeful aim or goal; intent.

   Examples

   Yeah, that's the idea.

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   My hopes wa'n't disappointed. I never saw clams thicker than they was along them inshore flats. I filled my dreener in no time, and then it come to me that 'twouldn't be a bad idee to get a lot more, take 'em with me to Wellmouth, and peddle 'em out. Clams was fairly scarce over that side of the bay and ought to fetch a fair price.

   Finance is seldom romantic. But the idea of peer-to-peer lending comes close. This is an industry that brings together individual savers and lenders on online platforms. Those that want to borrow are matched with those that want to lend.

8. A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.

   Examples

   He had the wild idea that if he leant forward a little, he might be able to touch the mountain-top.

9. A musical theme or melodic subject.

Noun

1. the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

   Synonyms

   thought

   Broader terms

   contentcognitive contentmental object

   Examples

   it was not a good idea

   the thought never entered my mind

2. your intention; what you intend to do

   Synonyms

   mind

   Broader terms

   purposeintentintentionaimdesign

   Examples

   he had in mind to see his old teacher

   the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces

3. a personal view

   Broader terms

   opinionsentimentpersuasionviewthought

   Examples

   he has an idea that we don't like him

4. an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

   Synonyms

   estimateestimationapproximation

   Broader terms

   calculationcomputationfiguringreckoning

   Examples

   an estimate of what it would cost

   a rough idea how long it would take

5. (music) melodic subject of a musical composition

   Synonyms

   thememelodic thememusical theme

   Broader terms

   tunemelodyairstrainmelodic linelinemelodic phrase

   Examples

   the theme is announced in the first measures

   the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it