Thought
θɔːt
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act or process of thinking; an idea or opinion that occurs in the mind.
θɔːt
An idea or opinion produced by thinking.
I had a sudden thought that I should call my mom.
💡 Simply: A thought is like a little idea that pops into your head, like 'I should eat a cookie!' It can be about anything!
👶 For kids: A thought is something you think about.
More Examples
He shared his thoughts on the new policy.
Her thoughts wandered during the meeting.
How It's Used
"She expressed her thoughts on the matter."
"The concept of 'being' is a central thought in metaphysics."
The act or process of thinking.
θɔːt
The process of thinking.
The constant thought of the exam kept him awake.
💡 Simply: The act of using your brain to figure something out or to dream up an idea.
👶 For kids: When you use your brain to think.
More Examples
He was lost in thought.
Her thoughts were racing during the crisis.
How It's Used
"Cognitive behavior therapy helps with managing negative thoughts."
Synonyms
Belief
Concept
Consideration
Contemplation
Idea
Impression
Notion
Opinion
Reflection
Speculation
Cognition
Reasoning
Thinking
Idioms & expressions
food for thought
Something to think about; a subject to ponder or consider carefully.
"The speaker's arguments provided food for thought."
a penny for your thoughts
Said to someone who is silent and appears to be thinking, to ask what they are thinking about.
"You seem deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?"
lost in thought
Deeply engrossed in thinking; preoccupied.
"She was lost in thought and didn't hear me call her name."
From Old English *þoht*, *geþoht*, a noun formed from the verb *þencan* ('to think'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *þankijaną.
The word 'thought' has been a fundamental part of the English language for centuries, consistently representing the human capacity for cognition and reflection.
Memory tip
Think of a light bulb turning on in your head; that's a thought!