noun
thought
THAWT/θɔːt/
Mental activity that forms and considers ideas.
He pauses in thought as he studies the unfinished tangram.
Etymology
Old English þoht covered both thinking and an individual thought. That pairing survives: the word names either mental activity itself or an idea or opinion produced by it.
In context
hold ever the thought I am courageous whenever a doubt crosses the threshold of your mind
More examples
- The decision requires careful thought, not a quick guess.
- A surprising thought occurs to me during the meeting.
- She writes down her thoughts before discussing the plan.
Forms
thought · thoughts
thoughtful adjective — Showing careful consideration or serious thinking.
Similar words
- thinking
- Emphasizes the mental process rather than an individual idea.
- reflection
- Suggests careful, deliberate thought about experiences or a subject.
- idea
- Refers to a particular mental product, not the process.