Idea Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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idea
[aɪˈdɪə ]
Definitions
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.
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| concept |
Use 'concept' when referring to a more abstract or theoretical notion, often used in academic or professional discussions.
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| notion |
Use 'notion' when referring to an individual, often more whimsical or informal idea or belief.
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| thought |
Use 'thought' when referring to the process of thinking or a consideration. Often used to describe fleeting or individual moments of thinking.
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| belief |
Use 'belief' when talking about something that someone accepts as true or real, often related to moral or personal principles.
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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.
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.
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| inspiration |
Used when an idea is driven by creativity, motivation, or an emotional experience. Suitable in artistic or motivational contexts.
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| brainwave |
Used for sudden, clever thoughts that come unexpectedly, often in informal contexts.
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| 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.
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| conception |
Typically used in more formal or academic settings to refer to the formation of an idea or plan, including its earliest stages.
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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.
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.
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| concept |
A more developed idea, often used in academic, philosophical, or technical contexts. It represents a generalized abstract thought.
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| 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.
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| belief |
Refers to something accepted as true or real, often without proof. It can be tied to personal, religious, or cultural systems.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'idea'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'idea' originated from the Greek word 'idein', meaning 'to see'. It entered the English language in the 16th century and has since been used to describe thoughts, concepts, and beliefs. Throughout history, ideas have been the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and philosophical inquiry.
See also: ideas, ideate, ideation, ideational, ideology.