think
1 Americanverb (used without object)
-
to have a conscious mind, to some extent of reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decisions, etc.
-
to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating or dealing with a given situation.
Think carefully before you begin.
-
to have a certain thing as the subject of one's thoughts.
I was thinking about you. We could think of nothing else.
-
to call something to one's conscious mind.
I couldn't think of his phone number.
-
to consider something as a possible action, choice, etc..
She thought about cutting her hair.
-
to invent or conceive of something.
We thought of a new plan.
-
to have consideration or regard for someone.
Think of others first.
-
to esteem a person or thing as indicated.
to think badly of someone.
-
to have a belief or opinion as indicated.
I think so.
-
(of a device or machine, especially a computer) to use artificial intelligence to perform an activity analogous to human thought.
verb (used with object)
-
to have or form in the mind as an idea, conception, etc.
-
to have or form in the mind in order to understand, know, or remember something else.
Romantic comedy is all about chemistry: think Tracy and Hepburn. Can't guess? Here's a hint: think 19th century.
-
to consider for evaluation or for possible action upon.
Think the deal over.
-
to regard as specified.
He thought me unkind.
-
to believe to be true of someone or something.
to think evil of the neighbors.
-
to analyze or evolve rationally.
to think the problem out.
-
to have as a plan or intention.
I thought that I would go.
-
to anticipate or expect.
I did not think to find you here.
adjective
-
of or relating to thinking or thought.
-
Informal. stimulating or challenging to the intellect or mind.
the think book of the year.
noun
verb phrase
-
think of
-
to conceive of; imagine.
-
to have an opinion or judgment of.
-
to consider; anticipate.
When one thinks of what the future may bring, one is both worried and hopeful.
-
-
think out / through
-
to think about until a conclusion is reached; understand or solve by thinking.
-
to devise by thinking; contrive.
He thought out a plan for saving time.
-
-
think up to devise or contrive by thinking.
Can you think up an arrangement of furniture for this room?
idioms
-
think twice, to weigh carefully before acting; consider.
I would think twice before taking on such a responsibility.
-
think fit, to consider advisable or appropriate.
By all means, take a vacation if you think fit.
-
think nothing of. nothing.
-
think better of, to change one's mind about; reconsider.
She considered emigrating to Australia, but thought better of it.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr; may take a clause as object) to consider, judge, or believe
he thinks my ideas impractical
-
to exercise the mind as in order to make a decision; ponder
-
(intr) to be capable of conscious thought
man is the only animal that thinks
-
to remember; recollect
I can't think what his name is
-
to make the mental choice (of)
think of a number
-
(may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
-
to expect; suppose
I didn't think to see you here
-
to be considerate or aware enough (to do something)
he did not think to thank them
-
-
to consider; regard
she thinks of herself as a poet
-
(intr) to focus the attention on being
think thin
think big
-
(tr) to bring into or out of a specified condition by thinking
to think away one's fears
-
slang a phrase added to an ironical statement
you're the paragon of virtue, I don't think
-
to reconsider one's decision, opinion, etc
-
-
to change one's mind about (a course of action, decision, etc)
-
to have a more favourable opinion of (a person)
-
-
(usually negative) to have a high opinion of
-
-
to regard as routine, easy, or natural
-
to have no compunction or hesitation about
-
to have a very low opinion of
-
-
to consider carefully before deciding (about something)
noun
-
informal a careful, open-minded assessment
let's have a fresh think about this problem
-
informal (modifier) characterized by or involving thinkers, thinking, or thought
a think session
-
slang you are mistaken and will soon have to alter your opinion
Other Word Forms
- thinker noun
Etymology
Origin of think1
First recorded before 900; Middle English thinken, variant of thenken, Old English thencan; cognate with Dutch, German denken, Old Norse thekkja, Gothic thagkjan; akin to Latin tongēre “to know” and thank
Origin of think2
First recorded before 900; Middle English thinken “to present the appearance of, seem,” Old English thyncan “to seem”; cognate with Dutch dunken, German dünken, Old Norse thykkja, Gothic thugkjan
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I didn’t like the look on their face before the game. I think it was almost like they had lost confidence.”
From Los Angeles Times
"I thought the boys did a great job when we entered their 22 and went to work," said Cron.
From Barron's
"I did have the thought that I probably needed to leave," she told AFP in Moscow recently.
From Barron's
"I think it was a great match," said Korda.
From Barron's
"It's massive for us to come over here and win. It's all building towards something special, I think."
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
