English Reference
Word noun · verb

thought

n. · v.
US /ˈθɔt/ UK /θˈɔːt/ thought UK spelling thought's, thought's
Definition
  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.an idea or opinion that comes into your mind.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    “The architect shared a preliminary thought regarding the atrium's design, though he admitted the concept required further refinement.”

    Synonyms
    ideanotionconcept
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the act of using your mind to consider something carefully.

    n.the systematic process or operation of mental activity and deliberation.

    Simple

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

    In context

    “The committee reached its conclusion only after deep thought and extensive consultation with independent experts.”

    Synonyms
    reasoningdeliberationcontemplation
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    “Modern economic thought has been significantly influenced by the theories of social welfare developed in the mid-twentieth century.”

    Synonyms
    philosophyideologydoctrine
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Literary

    n.a very small amount of something.

    n.a minute amount, degree, or distance.

    Simple

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

    In context

    “The tailor adjusted the hem just a thought, ensuring the fabric draped perfectly over the wearer's shoes.”

    Synonyms
    bittraceshade
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    v.the past tense of the verb 'think'.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    Synonyms
    believedconsidered

Usage thought that's · thoughts of suicide

Etymology

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.

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

This entry
Origin ine-pro *teng-
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated