idea
English meaning: Idea
Definition
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.
Example
“Going for a walk turned out to be a brilliant idea.”
Another example: “The whole idea behind the scheme was to reduce waste.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A very high-frequency neutral noun for a thought, plan, or mental image ('a good idea', 'no idea'). Common in everyday speech and academic writing. Phrases include 'have an idea', 'the idea that', and 'no idea'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'idea', from Greek 'idea' ('form, pattern'), from 'idein' ('to see'), originally a Platonic philosophical term, in English from the 16th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- good idea
- have an idea
- no idea
- bright idea
- the idea that
Word Forms
idea (n); ideas (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B