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thought

n. · v.
US //ˈθɔt// UK //θˈɔːt// thought
  1. 1 an idea (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an idea or opinion that comes into your mind.

    an individual idea, notion, or product of mental activity.

    Example

    A sudden thought occurred to me while I was walking home.

    Example

    The architect shared a preliminary thought regarding the atrium's design, though he admitted the concept required further refinement.
  2. 2 the process of thinking (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of using your mind to consider something carefully.

    the systematic process or operation of mental activity and deliberation.

    Example

    After much thought, she decided to accept the new job offer.

    Example

    The committee reached its conclusion only after deep thought and extensive consultation with independent experts.
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  1. 3 a system of belief (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a way of thinking that belongs to a particular group or time.

    a collective set of ideas or a specific philosophy associated with a group, period, or movement.

    Example

    The book explores the history of Western thought from ancient times.

    Example

    Modern economic thought has been significantly influenced by the theories of social welfare developed in the mid-twentieth century.
  2. 4 a small amount (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    a very small amount of something.

    a minute amount, degree, or distance.

    Example

    The soup needs to be a thought saltier to bring out the flavour.

    Example

    The tailor adjusted the hem just a thought, ensuring the fabric draped perfectly over the wearer's shoes.
  3. 5 past of think (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the past tense of the verb 'think'.

    the simple past and past participle form of the irregular verb 'think'.

    Example

    I thought the movie was excellent, but my friend disagreed.

    Example

    The researchers initially thought the data was anomalous, but subsequent trials confirmed the validity of their first observations.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *teng-der. Proto-Germanic *þankijaną Proto-Germanic *þanhtaz Proto-West Germanic *þą̄ht Old English þōht Middle English thought English thought From Middle English thought, ithoȝt, from Old English þōht, ġeþōht, from Proto-West Germanic þą̄ht, from Proto-Germanic þanhtaz, gaþanhtą (“thought”), from Proto-Indo-European teng- (“to think”). Cognate with Scots thocht (“thought”), Saterland Frisian Toacht (“thought”), West Frisian dacht (“attention, regard, thought”), Dutch gedachte (“thought”), German Andacht (“reverence, devotion, prayer”), Icelandic þóttur (“thought”). Related to thank, think.

Word family
Idioms6 entries

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