English Reference

Word

think

US/ˈθɪŋk/

UK/θˈɪŋk/

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

think

Past

thought

Past participle

thought

Definitions

01to use your mind

A1 · Beginner

v. to use your mind to consider something or to solve a problem.

v. to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating a situation or solving a problem.

“I need some time to think about your suggestion before I decide.”

“The researchers had to think deeply about the data before they could draw any meaningful conclusions from the experiment.”

02to have an opinion

A1 · Beginner

v. to believe something is true or to have a specific opinion.

v. to hold a particular opinion, belief, or judgment regarding a person or matter.

“I think that the new library is a great addition to our town.”

“Many economists think that the current fiscal policy will lead to long-term stability despite the initial market volatility.”

Pitfall

I am thinking that he is right.

I think that he is right.

When 'think' means 'to have an opinion', it is a stative verb and is usually not used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Antonyms

03to imagine or remember

A2 · Elementary

v. to bring an image or idea into your mind.

v. to form a mental representation of something; to conceive of a possibility.

“Think of a number between one and ten.”

“It is difficult to think of a time when digital communication was not the primary method of global interaction.”

Synonyms

imaginevisualiseconceive

Antonyms

04to plan

B1 · Intermediate

v. to have the intention or plan to do something.

v. to intend or plan a future course of action; often used in the continuous form.

“We are thinking of moving to the countryside next year.”

“The board is thinking of restructuring the entire department to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.”

Synonyms

05an act of considering

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal

n. a period of time spent considering something.

n. an instance or period of mental consideration or reflection.

“I'll have a think about it and let you know my answer tomorrow.”

“After having a good think about the proposal, the manager decided that the risks outweighed the potential benefits.”

Usage

Usually follows 'have' or 'give it'.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “think” in context.

01. generally think 02. initially think 03. previously think 04. think gain

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Grammar

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/think

English Reference