idea

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a personal view

   They have an idea that we don't like them.

2. 2
   noun

   An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.

   The idea that the same experiments always get the same results, no matter who performs them, is one of the cornerstones of science’s claim to objective truth. If a systematic campaign of replication does not lead to the same results, then either the original research is flawed (as the replicators claim) or the replications are (as many of the original researchers on priming contend). Either way, something is awry.

3. 3
   noun

   The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.

   The remembrance whereof (which yet I beare deepely imprinted in my minde) representing me her visage and Idea so lively and so naturally, doth in some sort reconcile me unto her.

4. 4
   noun

   An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.

   The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.

5. 5
   noun

   More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.

   Now all this was very fine, but not at all in keeping with the Celebrity's character as I had come to conceive it. The idea that adulation ever cloyed on him was ludicrous in itself. In fact I thought the whole story fishy, and came very near to saying so.

6. 6
   noun

   A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.

   I have an idea of how we might escape.

7. 7
   noun

   A purposeful aim or goal; intent

   Yeah, that's the idea.

8. 8
   noun

   A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.

   He had the wild idea that if he leant forward a little, he might be able to touch the mountain-top.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *weyd-der. Ancient Greek ῐ̓δεῖν (ĭdeîn) Ancient Greek ῐ̓δέᾱ (ĭdéā)der. Latin ideabor. English idea Borrowed from Latin idea (“a (Platonic) idea; archetype”), from Ancient Greek ἰδέα (idéa, “notion, pattern”), from εἴδω (eídō, “to see”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to know; see”). Cognate with French idée. Doublet of idée. Related to idol, idolum, and eidolon.