idea

Definitions

From Greek idéa ('form, look'), which itself came from ideîn ('to see'). An idea is literally something you 'see' with the mind — a thought or mental image. The word slid from Plato's perfect eternal Forms all the way down to the everyday flash of a thought.

Why It Means This

It's easy to forget that 'idea' is built on seeing. The Greek ideîn meant 'to see,' so an idea was first a mental sight — a form you look at inside your head. That hidden picture explains the way we still talk: an idea 'comes into view,' something 'gives you an idea,' a vague plan starts to 'take shape.' The thought is treated like something you can almost look at.

Common Collocations

• 1.good idea好主意
• 2.bright idea绝妙的想法
• 3.original idea原创想法
• 4.have no idea毫无头绪
• 5.come up with an idea想出一个主意
• 6.the whole idea整个构想

Example Sentences

• 1.

  I have a great idea for the weekend.

• 2.

  She has some interesting ideas about how to fix this.

• 3.

  I have no idea what he's talking about.

• 4.

  The whole idea is to save time and money.

Easily Confused

idea vs ideal — One letter apart but very different. idea (n.) is a thought you have (a good idea). ideal can be an adjective ('the ideal choice,' perfect) or a noun (a high standard you aim for). 'A nice idea' = a nice thought; 'a nice ideal' = a worthy goal.

Synonym Comparison