Definition of
Idea
- (noun, cognition) an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
a rough idea how long it would take - (noun, cognition) the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
the thought never entered my mind - (noun, cognition) a personal view
- (noun, cognition) your intention; what you intend to do
the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces - (noun, communication) (music) melodic subject of a musical composition
the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
- (noun, cognition) an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
via WordNet, Princeton University
Synonyms of Idea
approximation, estimate, estimation, melodic theme, mind, musical theme, theme, thought
Alternate forms of Idea
Hyponyms: belief, burden, cogitation, concept, conception, construct, credit, credit rating, dead reckoning, feeling, figment, generalisation, generality, generalization, guess, guessing, guesstimate, guesswork, guestimate, ideal, idealisation, idealization, impression, inspiration, keynote, kink, meaning, misconception, motif, motive, notion, opinion, overestimate, overestimation, overrating, overreckoning, plan, preoccupation, program, programme, reaction, scalage, shot, statement, substance, suggestion, theme, theorem, underestimate, underestimation, underrating, underreckoning, variation, whim, whimsey, whimsy
Hypernyms: aim, air, calculation, cognitive content, computation, content, design, figuring, intent, intention, line, melodic line, melodic phrase, melody, mental object, opinion, persuasion, purpose, reckoning, sentiment, strain, thought, tune, view
Origin of the word Idea
- 1430, "figure, image, symbol," from L. idea "idea," and in Platonic philosophy "archetype," from Gk. idea "ideal prototype," lit. "look, form," from idein "to see," from PIE *wid-es-ya-, suffixed form of base *weid- "to see" (see vision). Sense of "result of thinking" first recorded 1645.
"Men of one idea, like a hen with one chick… more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper