Ideas
aɪˈdiːəz
Definitions
2 meaningsA thought, plan, or suggestion about a possible course of action.
aɪˈdiːəz
A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action.
She had several ideas for the project.
💡 Simply: An idea is like a little lightbulb that pops up in your head when you think of something new or want to do something differently. It's a thought that gives you a plan or suggests what to do next. Like when you have an idea for a new game, or a story you can write!
👶 For kids: An idea is a thought or a plan. It's what you think of when you want to do something new!
More Examples
The team brainstormed ideas to solve the problem.
His idea for a new invention was brilliant.
How It's Used
"We need to generate new ideas for the upcoming marketing campaign."
"Einstein's theory of relativity was a revolutionary idea."
"I have an idea! Let's go to the beach."
A belief or principle.
aɪˈdiːəz
The article discusses different ideas about education.
💡 Simply: Ideas can also be big thoughts about the world. Like believing that everyone should be treated fairly (that's a big idea!), or a belief about how things should work.
👶 For kids: An idea can also be what you believe in, like how you think the world should be.
More Examples
Her ideas about justice were very progressive.
He defended his ideas strongly.
How It's Used
"His political ideas were often controversial."
"The essay explores various philosophical ideas."
Idioms & expressions
have no idea
To not know or understand something.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
put an idea across
To successfully communicate an idea.
"The speaker was able to put her ideas across clearly to the audience."
brainstorm ideas
To generate creative ideas through group discussion.
"The marketing team decided to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming campaign."
From Greek 'ἰδέα' (idéa), meaning 'form' or 'shape', borrowed into Latin as 'idea'. It evolved to encompass concepts, thoughts, and mental images.
The concept of 'idea' has been present since ancient Greek philosophy, evolving through the works of Plato and influencing Western thought regarding knowledge and form.
Memory tip
Think of the word as a spark of light in your mind, illuminating a new possibility.
Word Origin
"form, shape"