Idea: meaning, definitions and examples

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idea

[aɪˈdɪə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

creative

A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action. An opinion or belief. A mental image or concept.

Synonyms

belief, concept, notion, thought.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idea	Use 'idea' when you have a general thought or suggestion. It's often used in both casual and formal conversations when proposing something. I have an idea for our next project. The idea of traveling to Japan excites me.
concept	Use 'concept' when referring to a more abstract or theoretical notion, often used in academic or professional discussions. The concept of democracy is central to our society. Quantum mechanics is a difficult concept to grasp.
notion	Use 'notion' when referring to an individual, often more whimsical or informal idea or belief. She had a strange notion about aliens visiting Earth. He dismissed the notion of quitting his job.
thought	Use 'thought' when referring to the process of thinking or a consideration. Often used to describe fleeting or individual moments of thinking. I had a sudden thought about the meeting tomorrow. She couldn't get the thought of him out of her mind.
belief	Use 'belief' when talking about something that someone accepts as true or real, often related to moral or personal principles. Her belief in hard work is admirable. He holds the belief that honesty is the best policy.

Examples of usage

I have an idea for a new business.
She shared her ideas on the topic during the meeting.
The artist's idea was to create a sculpture from recycled materials.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

inspirational

A sudden and brilliant thought. A concept or mental image that is novel and valuable.

Synonyms

brainwave, conception, inspiration, vision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idea	A general term for a thought or plan. It fits well in most everyday and professional contexts when you are talking about a new thought, plan, or solution. I have an idea for the project That's a great idea!
inspiration	Used when an idea is driven by creativity, motivation, or an emotional experience. Suitable in artistic or motivational contexts. The beautiful scenery was an inspiration for her painting He drew inspiration from his hardships
brainwave	Used for sudden, clever thoughts that come unexpectedly, often in informal contexts. He had a brainwave while taking a shower That brainwave solved all our problems!
vision	Often used in contexts where you talk about future plans, ambitious goals, or a clear, long-term idea. It may imply a grand or innovative plan. She has a clear vision for the future of the company His vision changed the course of the industry
conception	Typically used in more formal or academic settings to refer to the formation of an idea or plan, including its earliest stages. The conception of the new theory took years of research Our conception of the project changed after the feedback

Examples of usage

The scientist had a groundbreaking idea that led to a new invention.
The writer's idea for the novel was unique and captivating.
The idea for the painting came to the artist in a dream.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

philosophical

A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Synonyms

belief, concept, doctrine, principle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idea	Used for an initial thought or plan for something new. It can be very general and is often used in brainstorming. I have an idea for a new project She shared her idea with the team
concept	A more developed idea, often used in academic, philosophical, or technical contexts. It represents a generalized abstract thought. The concept of freedom is central to the constitution She explained the concept of gravity to the children
principle	Refers to a fundamental truth or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. Often denotes an ethical standard. He always acts according to his principles The principle of fairness is important in any justice system
belief	Refers to something accepted as true or real, often without proof. It can be tied to personal, religious, or cultural systems. His belief in hard work helped him succeed Many people have a belief in life after death
doctrine	Usually refers to a body of teachings or policies, especially in a religious or political context. It often has a formal or established connotation. The church follows a strict doctrine The military doctrine was revised after the war

Examples of usage

The idea of justice is central to many ethical theories.
His ideas about morality were influenced by his religious beliefs.
The philosopher's ideas on existentialism challenged traditional views.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'idea,' which means 'form' or 'appearance.'
In philosophy, 'idea' often referred to the essential nature of a thing, emphasizing how we perceive concepts.
The term evolved during the Renaissance, where it began to denote abstract thoughts and creativity.

Psychology

The process of generating ideas is often linked to divergent thinking, a cognitive process that allows for multiple solutions to a problem.
Research shows that being in a relaxed state can enhance creativity and lead to more innovative ideas.
Brainstorming is a popular technique where people gather to generate a large number of ideas, promoting collaboration.

Literature

Many famous authors emphasize the importance of capturing fleeting ideas, often keeping notebooks handy to jot them down.
In the world of storytelling, an idea can evolve into themes, plots, and character developments, shaping narratives.
The 'Hero's Journey' framework illustrates how an initial idea can drive an entire plot and character evolution.

Pop Culture

Innovators like Steve Jobs often spoke about the power of ideas, emphasizing that they can change the world.
In movies and TV shows, characters often discover life-changing ideas that set them on adventures or quests.
Popular quotes like 'Every idea has a consequence' highlight the impact of thoughts and suggestions in culture.

Education

Idea generation is a key component of critical thinking skills, encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives.
Project-based learning often starts with an idea, motivating students to develop solutions through research and creativity.
Many educational methods, including inquiry-based learning, encourage students to formulate their own ideas as a critical learning process.

Translations

Translations of the word "idea" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ideia

🇮🇳 विचार

🇩🇪 Idee

🇮🇩 ide

🇺🇦 ідея

🇵🇱 pomysł

🇯🇵 アイデア

🇫🇷 idée

🇪🇸 idea

🇹🇷 fikir

düşünce
idea

🇰🇷 아이디어

🇸🇦 فكرة

🇨🇿 nápad

🇸🇰 nápad

🇨🇳 想法

🇸🇮 ideja

🇮🇸 hugmynd

🇰🇿 идея

🇬🇪 იდეა

🇦🇿 ideya

🇲🇽 idea

Word Frequency Rank

At #555 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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552 equipment
553 moment
554 difficult
555 idea
556 longer
557 town
558 agreement
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