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idea - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'idea' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Idea [ n.]
- The transcript, image, or picture of a visible object, that is formed by the mind; also, a similar image of any object whatever, whether sensible or spiritual.
- A general notion, or a conception formed by generalization.
- Hence: Any object apprehended, conceived, or thought of, by the mind; a notion, conception, or thought; the real object that is conceived or thought of.
- A belief, option, or doctrine; a characteristic or controlling principle; as, an essential idea; the idea of development.
- A plan or purpose of action; intention; design.
- A rational conception; the complete conception of an object when thought of in all its essential elements or constituents; the necessary metaphysical or constituent attributes and relations, when conceived in the abstract.
- A fiction object or picture created by the imagination; the same when proposed as a pattern to be copied, or a standard to be reached; one of the archetypes or patterns of created things, conceived by the Platonists to have excited objectively from eternity in the mind of the Deity.

Meaning of 'idea' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . idea [ n]
Meaning (1):
- an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
Example in sentence:
  • a rough idea how long it would take;
  • an estimate of what it would cost
Meaning (2):
- your intention; what you intend to do
Example in sentence:
  • he had in mind to see his old teacher;
  • the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces
Meaning (3):
- a personal view
Example in sentence:
  • he has an idea that we don't like him
Meaning (4):
- the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
Example in sentence:
  • it was not a good idea;
  • the thought never entered my mind
Meaning (5):
- (music) melodic subject of a musical composition
Example in sentence:
  • the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it;
  • the theme is announced in the first measures

Nearby Words:

ide ideal idealess idealism idealist idealistic idealities ideality idealization idealize

See 'idea' also in:

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Related Definitions

  • Ideal self
    Ideal self refers to holding certain values and standards for oneself (one's SELF) and striving to realize them.
  • ego ideal
    In psychoanalysis, a part of the superego that represents an identification with parents or parent figures who are admired and loved is called ego ideal.
  • Idealism
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  • Idealist
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    Employee-driven idea system is a type of suggestion program where employees are rewarded for being ultimately responsible for the management and implementation of any idea they submitted.
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  • Idea generation
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  • Idea screening
    Screening new-product ideas to spot good ideas and drop poor ones as soon as possible.

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