noun
idea
eye-DEER
noun
1
A thought, plan, or mental impression formed in the mind.
"She had a great idea for a new business."
"I have no idea where I left my keys."
2
A general concept, notion, or way of thinking about something.
"The book explores the idea of freedom in modern society."
How to Use Idea
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thought that pops into your mind — a plan, a concept, or an impression of something.
Common pairings
have an idea
a bright idea
no idea
Word Forms
ideas plural, ideæ plural
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She had a great _____ for a new business.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek idea ("form" or "pattern"), rooted in eidō, "to see" — the same root gives us "idol" and "eidolon". Latin borrowed it as idea, and English took it from there.