Thought

Definition

Thought refers to the process or act of thinking, an idea or opinion produced by thinking, or a consideration of something. It is also the past tense and past participle of the verb "think."

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (past tense and past participle)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɔːt/
• Respelling: THAWT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɔːt/
• Respelling: THAWT

Etymology

The word "thought" originates from Old English "þoht" or "geþoht," meaning "process of thinking," derived from Proto-Germanic "*þanhtaz" and Proto-Indo-European "*tong-" or "*tenk-," meaning "to think." It is closely related to the verb "think."

Derivatives

• Thoughtful (adjective)
• Thoughtless (adjective)
• Thoughtfulness (noun)
• Thoughtlessness (noun)
• Forethought (noun)

Synonyms

• Idea
• Notion
• Reflection

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "thought" is used to describe mental activity or a single instance of thinking. For example, "The idea struck me as an interesting thought." As a verb, it serves as the past tense of "think," e.g., "I thought about your suggestion."

Related Terms

• Thinking: The action or process of thought.
• Reasoning: The action of thinking about something logically.
• Reflection: Serious thought or consideration.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act or process of thinking: Refers to mental activity or contemplation.
  • Example: "Her thought was focused on solving the problem."
• An idea or opinion produced by thinking: Refers to a single concept or consideration.
  • Example: "That’s an interesting thought you’ve shared."
• A consideration or intention: Refers to a planned or deliberate focus.
  • Example: "He had no thought of leaving early."

Verb (past tense and past participle of think)

• To form or have in the mind: Indicates the action of using one’s mind to consider something.
  • Example: "I thought about your proposal overnight."
• To believe or consider: Refers to forming an opinion or judgment.
  • Example: "I thought it was a great idea."