think
gb/θˈɪŋk/ us/θˈɪŋk/
A2
English
~ 100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Use the mind to form ideas
To use your mind to have ideas or make choices.
Usage pattern:
to think about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'think' with 'know'. 'Think' expresses an opinion or mental process, while 'know' is about having certain information.
Synonyms
ponder (Suggests deep, careful, and often slow consideration.)
Antonyms
ignore (Means to deliberately not consider something.)
Collocations
think carefully
|think clearly
|think quickly
|think deeply
|think differently
Themes
daily life
|communication
|cognition
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I need to think about what you said before I answer.
- She thought for a moment and then spoke.
- We’re thinking of moving to another city.
- He thinks carefully before making any major decision.
- I can’t think clearly when I’m tired.
Learner examples
- I think about my homework.
- She thinks before she speaks.
- We think about the future.
- He thinks a lot at night.
- They think about their family.
Verb
A2
action
2
Believe something is true
To believe something is true, but not be sure.
Usage pattern:
to think (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit 'that' after 'think', which is fine in informal speech but may be needed in formal writing.
Synonyms
suppose (Suggests a tentative belief or assumption.)
Antonyms
doubt (Means to be uncertain about the truth of something.)
Collocations
think so
|think not
|think otherwise
Themes
communication
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I think she’s telling the truth.
- Do you think it will rain today?
- He thinks that this plan will work.
- I don’t think we’ve met before.
- Many people think the law should change.
Learner examples
- I think it is a good idea.
- Do you think it is far?
- I think she is happy.
- They think we are late.
- He thinks it will rain.
Verb
B1
action
3
Have a plan or intention
To plan or want to do something in the future.
Usage pattern:
to think of/about [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'thinking of' (considering) with 'thinking about' (general reflection), though both can overlap.
Synonyms
intend (More formal and definite than 'think' when used for plans.)
Antonyms
forget (Means to fail to plan or keep something in mind.)
Collocations
think ahead
|think long-term
Themes
daily life
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We’re thinking of going to Italy next summer.
- I was thinking about calling you tomorrow.
- She’s thinking of starting her own business.
- He’s thinking about applying for the job.
- I’m thinking ahead to the holidays.
Learner examples
- I think about visiting my friend.
- We are thinking of buying a car.
- She thinks about starting a shop.
- He thinks of going to school early.
- They think about moving.
Verb
B1
action
4
Remember something mentally
To remember something in your mind.
Usage pattern:
to think of [something/someone]
Synonyms
recall (Slightly more formal; emphasizes bringing something back to mind.)
Antonyms
forget (Means to fail to remember something.)
Collocations
think back
|think of a name
Themes
memory
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I can’t think of his name right now.
- She thought back to her childhood summers.
- Can you think of any good restaurants nearby?
- Every time I smell roses, I think of my grandmother.
- Think of me when you see the Eiffel Tower.
Learner examples
- I think of my old school.
- She thinks of her mother often.
- We think of our trip last year.
- He thinks of his dog when he sees toys.
- They think back to their wedding day.
Grammar
Dictionary form
think
IPA
GB/θˈɪŋk/
US/θˈɪŋk/
Syllables & stress
think (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (think)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: think
- 3rd Person Singular: thinks
- Present Participle: thinking
- Past: thought
- Past Participle: thought
Word family
Forms
Core family
thinker
noun B1
thoughtful
adjective B2
Related words
rethink
verb B2
thoughtfully
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
thoughtless
adjective B2
unthinkable
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
thoughtfulness
noun B2
thinkable
adjective C1
Highlights
- Irregular past: thought Verb
- Irregular past participle: thought Verb
Expressions
think about it
1/θˈɪŋk əbˈaʊt ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
Pause to consider carefully
Stop and give time to consider something before deciding or answering.
Examples
- Think about it before you say yes.
- You should think about it for a few days before making a choice.
think ahead
1/θˈɪŋk əhˈɛd/
phrasal verb
Plan for the future in advance
To plan for what might happen later.
Examples
- You need to think ahead when organizing such a big event.
- We should think ahead to avoid problems.
think of as
1/θˈɪŋk əv ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Regard in a certain way
To see someone or something in a particular way in your mind.
Examples
- I think of her as a close friend.
- They think of this place as home.
think over
1/θˈɪŋk ˈoʊvɚ/
phrasal verb
Consider carefully before deciding
To spend time thinking about something before making a decision.
Examples
- Think over my proposal and let me know tomorrow.
- He needs time to think over his options.
think twice
1/θˈɪŋk twˈaɪs/
idiom
Reconsider carefully before acting
To stop and consider something again before doing it, because it might be wrong or risky.
Examples
- You should think twice before lending him money.
- She thought twice about quitting her job without another offer.
think twice
2/θˈɪŋk twˈaɪs/
idiom
Consider carefully before acting
To stop and think carefully before doing something.
Examples
- You should think twice before investing all your savings.
- He didn’t think twice about helping her.