thought
idea or opinion in the mind
An idea in your mind, or an opinion you tell someone.
a thought; thoughts about/on [something]; the thought of [something/doing something]; the thought that [clause]
- An odd thought crossed my mind as I waited for the bus.
- What are your thoughts on the new plan?
- My first thought was to call a doctor.
- I had a strange thought.
- Tell me your thoughts.
- That thought made me happy.
process of thinking
The act of thinking carefully.
uncountable; [adjective] thought; thought about [something]
- The puzzle demands clear thought and patience.
- Long walks give him time for quiet thought.
- The course teaches students independent thought, not just facts.
- This question needs careful thought.
- He sat in quiet thought.
- The class encourages independent thought.
careful consideration
Careful thinking before you decide or do something.
give thought to [something]; put thought into [something]; after much/some thought
- We need to give more thought to how customers will use the app.
- She put a lot of thought into her wedding speech.
- After much thought, he decided to change jobs.
- Give it some thought.
- I put thought into the gift.
- After much thought, I said no.
body of ideas or beliefs
The main ideas of a group, period, or subject.
[adjective] thought; thought about/on [a subject]
- The book examines political thought in ancient Greece.
- Her research changed modern thought about language learning.
- Those ideas are important in Islamic thought.
- We studied Greek thought.
- His work shaped modern thought.
- Political thought can change society.
- Base: thought
- Plural: thought, thoughts
food for thought
1something that makes you think
Something that makes you think carefully or seriously about something.
- His speech gave us all some real food for thought.
- That article was definitely food for thought about climate change.
food for thought
1something worth thinking about
An idea or information that makes you think.
- The documentary gave us plenty of food for thought.
- Her suggestion is food for thought as we plan next year.
- The feedback from customers offers serious food for thought.
have second thoughts
1begin to doubt a decision
To become unsure about something you already decided.
- She accepted the offer but later had second thoughts.
- Investors are having second thoughts about the deal.
- If you have second thoughts, we can postpone the trip.
it's the thought that counts
1kind intention matters most
The kindness behind a gift or action is more important than the gift itself.
- The cake was a little burned, but it's the thought that counts.
- I couldn't buy much, but she said it was the thought that counts.
- Even a small card can mean a lot; it's the thought that counts.
lost in thought
1deeply absorbed in thinking
Thinking deeply and not noticing things around you.
- He was so lost in thought that he missed his stop.
- She stared out the window, lost in thought.
- I found him alone in the garden, lost in thought.
on second thought
1changed mind after reconsidering
Say this when you change your mind after thinking again.
- I was going to email her, but on second thought I'll call.
- On second thought, let's take the train.
- He almost bought the jacket, then on second thought put it back.
spare a thought for
1think sympathetically about someone
To take a moment to think kindly about someone who is having a hard time.
- Spare a thought for the people who have to work over the holidays.
- As you enjoy the sunshine, spare a thought for those stuck in the office.
- We should spare a thought for families affected by the flood.
spare a thought for
1think sympathetically about someone
To remember and feel sympathy for someone.
- Spare a thought for the nurses working through the holiday.
- As you enjoy the heat, spare a thought for people without air conditioning.
- The article asks readers to spare a thought for families affected by the flood.
train of thought
1Connected sequence of ideas in mind
The line of ideas you are thinking about.
- I lost my train of thought when he interrupted me.
- She paused to gather her train of thought before continuing.
train of thought
1connected series of ideas
The line of ideas you are following in your mind.
- I lost my train of thought when the phone rang.
- His speech was hard to follow because his train of thought kept shifting.
- Let me finish this train of thought before we change topics.
without a second thought
1without hesitation or consideration
Without thinking carefully first; very quickly.
- She ran to help without a second thought.
- He shared his password without a second thought, which was risky.
- Many people throw old phones away without a second thought.