English Reference
noun

idea

n.
US /aɪˈdiə/ UK /aɪdˈiə/ idea UK spelling idea's, idea's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    a plan or suggestion for a way to do something.

    a formulated plan, suggestion, or intention for a specific course of action.

    Simple

    I have a great idea for a new game we can play tonight.

    In context

    The marketing team presented a brilliant idea for the summer campaign, focusing on interactive social media content rather than traditional ads.

    Pitfall
    I have a good idea for solve the problem. I have a good idea for solving the problem.

    After 'idea for', use the -ing form of the verb, not the infinitive.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    a thought or an understanding of something in your mind.

    a mental concept, notion, or image formed by the mind or recalled from memory.

    Simple

    The book gives you a good idea of what life was like in the past.

    In context

    The abstract nature of the theory makes it difficult for students to grasp the core idea without concrete examples.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    an opinion or belief about something.

    a belief, opinion, or doctrine held by an individual or a group.

    Simple

    People have different ideas about how to raise children.

    In context

    The political philosopher challenged traditional ideas regarding the social contract and the role of the state in private life.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    a feeling or a guess that something might be true.

    a vague notion, impression, or hunch about a situation.

    Simple

    I had no idea that you were planning a surprise party for me.

    In context

    She had a vague idea that they had met before, though she couldn't recall the specific time or place.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal Philosophy

    the perfect form of something that exists only in the mind.

    an abstract archetype or pure essence of a thing, often contrasted with imperfect real-world examples.

    Simple

    Plato believed that every object on earth is just a copy of a perfect idea.

    In context

    In Platonic philosophy, the Idea of the Good is the ultimate object of knowledge, illuminating all other forms.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a short piece of melody that a composer uses to build a song.

    a musical theme, melodic subject, or primary motif within a composition.

    Simple

    The composer introduces the main musical idea in the first few seconds.

    In context

    The symphony develops a simple four-note idea into a complex web of contrapuntal variations across three movements.

Usage ideas to southeasttoday · ideas to channel · ideas about people

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated