Idea

/aɪ̯ˈdɪə̯/ · noun

Meaning

(philosophy) An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples..

Definitions by Sense

1. (philosophy) An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
2. (obsolete) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
3. (obsolete) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.
4. An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
5. More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
6. A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
7. A purposeful aim or goal; intent
8. A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.

Example Sentences

The idea that the same experiments always get the same results, no matter who performs them, is one of the cornerstones of science’s claim to objective truth. If a systematic campaign of replication does not lead to the same results, then either the original research is flawed (as the replicators claim) or the replications are (as many of the original researchers on priming contend). Either way, something is awry.

The remembrance whereof (which yet I beare deepely imprinted in my minde) representing me her visage and Idea so lively and so naturally, doth in some sort reconcile me unto her.

The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.

Now all this was very fine, but not at all in keeping with the Celebrity's character as I had come to conceive it. The idea that adulation ever cloyed on him was ludicrous in itself. In fact I thought the whole story fishy, and came very near to saying so.

Ideas won't go to jail.

I have an idea of how we might escape.

Yeah, that's the idea.

My hopes wa'n't disappointed. I never saw clams thicker than they was along them inshore flats. I filled my dreener in no time, and then it come to me that 'twouldn't be a bad idee to get a lot more, take 'em with me to Wellmouth, and peddle 'em out. Clams was fairly scarce over that side of the bay and ought to fetch a fair price.

Synonyms for idea

Antonyms for idea

Related Words

Word Forms

• ideas
• ideæ

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