Idea — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ī-ˈdē-ə/

Meaning & Definition of Idea

Idea (noun)

  1. a formulated thought or opinion
  2. whatever is known or supposed about something
  3. the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation

Idea (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something imagined or pictured in the mind

    "my idea of the perfect vacation spot is an uncrowded, unspoiled beach"

    similar: abstraction, cogitation, concept, conception, image, impression, intellection, mind's eye, notion, picture, thought
    related: apprehension, premonition, presentiment, preconception, prejudice, prepossession, chimera, delusion, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, caprice, conceit, fancy, freak, kink, vagary, whim, cognition, observation, perception, reflection, assumption, belief, conclusion, conviction, conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmise, theory, brainchild, brainstorm, brain wave, inspiration
    near: actuality, fact, reality

  2. someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation

    "Helen Keller remains my idea of a person with indomitable spirit"

    similar: beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, ideal, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint
    related: role model, embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink, archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern, guideline, principle, rule, gauge, standard, touchstone, essence, quintessence, acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

  3. something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

    "the idea is to get the information without seeming to be nosy"

    similar: aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing, name of the game
    related: grail, holy grail, plot, project, scheme, desire, hope, mind, wish, nirvana, destination, terminus
    near: means, method, way

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Idea

The most common words with a similar meaning to Idea:

abstraction, cogitation, concept, conception, image, impression, intellection, mind's eye, notion, picture, thought, beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, ideal, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint, aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne, design, dream, end, goal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target

Related Words for Idea

apprehension, premonition, presentiment, preconception, prejudice, prepossession, chimera, delusion, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, caprice, conceit, fancy, freak, kink, vagary, whim, cognition, observation, perception, reflection, assumption, belief, conclusion, conviction, conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis

Near Antonyms of Idea

actuality, fact, reality, means, method, way

Word Forms of Idea

Derived words: idealess (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Idea

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from idein to see wit

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Idea

Words & Phrases Containing Idea

get the idea, get the wrong idea, have no idea, I have no idea, nice idea, not have the faintest/slightest idea, put that idea out of your head, the idea behind, the idea

Frequently Asked Questions about Idea

What does "Idea" mean?

"Idea" means a formulated thought or opinion. As a noun, it is defined as: a formulated thought or opinion. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Idea"?

Other words for "Idea" include abstraction, cogitation, concept, conception, image, impression, intellection and mind's eye. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Idea" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Idea"?

There are 121 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Idea". Common alternatives include abstraction, cogitation, concept, conception, image, impression, intellection, mind's eye, notion and picture.

How do you use "Idea" in a sentence?

Examples of "Idea" in a sentence: "my idea of the perfect vacation spot is an uncrowded, unspoiled beach"; "Helen Keller remains my idea of a person with indomitable spirit"; "the idea is to get the information without seeming to be nosy".

Is "Idea" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Idea" is a noun.

Is "Idea" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Idea" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Idea"?

"Idea" is pronounced /ī-ˈdē-ə/.

What is the origin of the word "Idea"?

"Idea" comes from Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from idein to see wit. First known use: 14th century.