English Reference

Word

thinking

Phoneticsthink·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

UK/θˈɪŋkɪŋ/

Definitions

01the process of using your mind

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the activity of using your brain to solve problems or understand something.

n. the process of using one's mind to consider or reason about something; often uncountable.

“The project requires a lot of careful thinking before we start.”

“Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that allows students to evaluate evidence and form logical conclusions independently.”

Synonyms

reasoningcognitionthought

02opinions or ideas

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a person's ideas or opinions about a particular subject.

n. the ideas, opinions, or judgements of a particular person or group.

“What is the current thinking on how to fix the economy?”

“The shift in management's thinking led to a complete overhaul of the company's environmental policies.”

Synonyms

opinionviewpointphilosophy

03intelligent or rational

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. used to describe a person who uses their mind and thinks deeply.

adj. characterised by the use of the intellect; rational or capable of thought.

“She is a thinking person who doesn't just follow the crowd.”

“The documentary was designed to appeal to the thinking viewer who enjoys complex social commentary.”

Synonyms

rationalintelligentthoughtful

Antonyms

unthinkingirrational

Collocations

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

01. critical thinking 02. current thinking

Etymology

From Middle English thinking, thynkynge, thenkyng, equivalent to think + -ing.

From Middle English thenkinge, þinkynge, þenkynge, þenchinde, from Old English þenċende, from Proto-Germanic þankijandz, present participle of þankijaną (“to think”), equivalent to think + -ing. Cognate with Dutch denkend (“thinking”), German denkend (“thinking”), Swedish tänkande (“thinking”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

NOUN

thinking(A2)

Idioms

01. blue-sky thinking

02. thinking cap

03. thinking man's

04. way of thinking

05. what was someone thinking

06. wishful thinking

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/thinking
English Reference