idea
Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).
Datamuse reports no synonyms or antonyms for this word.
Noun
- {{lb|en|philosophy}} An abstract [[archetype]] of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect [[approximation]]s; pure [[essence]], as opposed to actual examples. {{defdate|from 14th c.}}
- {{lb|en|obsolete}} The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect [[example]]; an [[ideal]]. {{defdate|16th|19th c.}}
- {{lb|en|obsolete}} The [[form]] or [[shape]] of something; a quintessential [[aspect]] or [[characteristic]]. {{defdate|16th|18th c.}}
- An [[image]] of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory. {{defdate|from 16th c.}}
- More generally, any result of mental activity; a [[thought]], a [[notion]]; a way of thinking. {{defdate|from 17th c.}}
- A conception in the mind of something to be done; a [[plan]] for doing something, an [[intention]]. {{defdate|from 17th c.}}
- A purposeful aim or goal; [[intent]].
- A vague or fanciful [[notion]]; a [[feeling]] or [[hunch]]; an [[impression]]. {{defdate|from 17th c.}}
- {{lb|en|music}} A [[musical]] [[theme]] or [[melodic]] [[subject]]. {{defdate|from 18th c.}}
Proper noun
- {{acronym of|en|w:International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance}}.
Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.