think
1to have a conscious mind, to some extent of reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decisions, etc.
to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating or dealing with a given situation: Think carefully before you begin.
to have a certain thing as the subject of one's thoughts: I was thinking about you. We could think of nothing else.
to call something to one's conscious mind: I couldn't think of his phone number.
to consider something as a possible action, choice, etc.: She thought about cutting her hair.
to invent or conceive of something: We thought of a new plan.
to have consideration or regard for someone: Think of others first.
to esteem a person or thing as indicated: to think badly of someone.
to have a belief or opinion as indicated: I think so.
(of a device or machine, especially a computer) to use artificial intelligence to perform an activity analogous to human thought.
to have or form in the mind as an idea, conception, etc.
to have or form in the mind in order to understand, know, or remember something else: Romantic comedy is all about chemistry: think Tracy and Hepburn. Can't guess? Here's a hint: think 19th century.
to consider for evaluation or for possible action upon: Think the deal over.
to regard as specified: He thought me unkind.
to believe to be true of someone or something: to think evil of the neighbors.
to analyze or evolve rationally: to think the problem out.
to have as a plan or intention: I thought that I would go.
to anticipate or expect: I did not think to find you here.
of or relating to thinking or thought.
Informal. stimulating or challenging to the intellect or mind: the think book of the year.: Compare think piece.
Informal. the act or a period of thinking: I want to sit down and give it a good think.
think of,
to conceive of; imagine.
to have an opinion or judgment of.
to consider; anticipate: When one thinks of what the future may bring, one is both worried and hopeful.
think out / through
to think about until a conclusion is reached; understand or solve by thinking.
to devise by thinking; contrive: He thought out a plan for saving time.
think up, to devise or contrive by thinking: Can you think up an arrangement of furniture for this room?
Idioms about think
think better of, to change one's mind about; reconsider: She considered emigrating to Australia, but thought better of it.
think fit, to consider advisable or appropriate: By all means, take a vacation if you think fit.
think nothing of. nothing (def. 19).
think twice, to weigh carefully before acting; consider: I would think twice before taking on such a responsibility.
Origin of think
1Other definitions for think (2 of 2)
to seem or appear (usually used impersonally with a dative as the subject).
Origin of think
2- Compare methinks.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use think in a sentence
By April, Timchenko and her colleagues had thought up a new concept for their media project.
He claims fossil fuels are a myth thought up by oil companies.
Conspiracy Theorist Argues That Hitler Escaped to Argentina | Caitlin Dickson | January 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe FBI official who thought up and headed Abscam was John Good, another Bronx native.
The Real Story and Lesson of the Abscam Sting in ‘American Hustle’ | Jimmy So | December 17, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThey thought up a number of possible names that did not seem quite right.
The idea was first thought-up by a local sheriff, who said convict labor would shorten prison terms and save money for the state.
Bringing Back the Chain Gang and Other Crazy Legislative Proposals | Luke Kerr-Dineen | March 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
It will show likewise in the brain beating broken wings—inability to shoot a thought up out of the body for half a minute.
Lord Ormont and his Aminta, Complete | George Meredith"Oh, I've thought up a plan for escaping with a profit," he assured her, lightly.
The Pride of Palomar | Peter B. KyneOne time she thought up part of a song without a speck of tune to it, and it was in a language across the ocean.
The Annals of Ann | Kate Trimble SharberIn fact, it seemed like anybody who had first thought up such a poem must have been crazy in the head.
Shenanigans at Sugar Creek | Paul HutchensI can believe some of my own stories quicker than this one that the powers that be have thought up.
Nan Sherwood's Summer Holidays | Annie Roe Carr
British Dictionary definitions for think
/ (θɪŋk) /
(tr; may take a clause as object) to consider, judge, or believe: he thinks my ideas impractical
(intr often foll by about) to exercise the mind as in order to make a decision; ponder
(intr) to be capable of conscious thought: man is the only animal that thinks
to remember; recollect: I can't think what his name is
(intr foll by of) to make the mental choice (of): think of a number
(may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
to expect; suppose: I didn't think to see you here
to be considerate or aware enough (to do something): he did not think to thank them
(intr foll by of) to consider; regard: she thinks of herself as a poet
(intr) to focus the attention on being: think thin; think big
(tr) to bring into or out of a specified condition by thinking: to think away one's fears
I don't think slang a phrase added to an ironical statement: you're the paragon of virtue, I don't think
think again to reconsider one's decision, opinion, etc
think better of
to change one's mind about (a course of action, decision, etc)
to have a more favourable opinion of (a person)
think much of (usually negative) to have a high opinion of
think nothing of
to regard as routine, easy, or natural
to have no compunction or hesitation about
to have a very low opinion of
think twice to consider carefully before deciding (about something)
informal a careful, open-minded assessment: let's have a fresh think about this problem
(modifier) informal characterized by or involving thinkers, thinking, or thought: a think session
you've got another think coming slang you are mistaken and will soon have to alter your opinion
Origin of think
1- See also think out, think over, think up
Derived forms of think
- thinker, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with think
In addition to the idioms beginning with think
- think a lot of
- think aloud
- think back
- think better of
- think big
- thinking cap
- think little of
- think nothing of
- think on one's feet
- think out
- think over
- think piece
- think positive
- think tank
- think the world of
- think through
- think twice
- think up
also see:
- come to think of it
- have another guess (think) coming
- hear oneself think
- not think much of
- put on one's thinking cap
- wishful thinking
Also see underthought.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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