thinking

American  

[thing-king] / ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. rational; reasoning.

   People are thinking animals.

2. thoughtful; reflective.

   Any thinking person would reject that plan.

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noun

1. thought; judgment, reflection.

   clear thinking.

thinking British  

/ ˈθɪŋkɪŋ /

noun

1. opinion or judgment

2. the process of thought

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adjective

1. (prenominal) using or capable of using intelligent thought

   thinking people

2. to ponder a matter or problem

Other Word Forms

• nonthinking
  adjective
• thinkingly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of thinking

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thenking (noun); see think ¹, -ing ², -ing ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thinking

At first, still thinking of ourselves as making a magazine, we uploaded full “issues” of a dozen or so stories over the office modem on Friday nights.

From Slate ● Nov. 6, 2026

So he told his commander: “If you’re thinking about sending someone to replace me, don’t.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

“That is a huge thing that whoever we nominate has to be thinking about: quick delivery, quick change that people can substantively feel in their lives,” Flaherty said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026

Habitually, he reacts to players more than thinking about positions, as he is able to win the ball back more often than not from most players.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

‘Not many Wolf Clan left these days. So you’re not going to be rescued, if that’s what you’re thinking.’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

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Related Words

• idea
• judgment
• logic
• opinion
• reasoning
• understanding

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