English Reference
noun · adjective

thinking

n. · adj.
US /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ UK /θˈɪŋkɪŋ/ think·ing UK spelling thinkings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    unthinkingirrational

Usage critical thinking · current thinking


Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

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.

This entry
Origin Middle English thinking
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated