A2noun1K

Thought

UK /["/θɔːt/"]/US /["/θɔːt/"]/

Definition

something that you think of or remember

In simple words: What you think or believe.

Examples

  • I had a sudden thought that I should call my friend.
  • Your thought process is very interesting to observe.
  • She shared her thought about the book we read.
  • After giving it some thought, I decided to change my plan.
  • He expressed a thought that many people agree with.
  • I thought about going to the movies this weekend.
  • What are your thoughts on the new project?
  • That's an interesting thought, but I have my doubts.

Usage notes

Use 'thought' in both spoken and written English to express ideas or opinions. It's appropriate in most situations but can feel too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

thought + object

Memory hint

Think of 'thought' as what goes on in your 'head'—sounds similar!

Collocations

  • comforting
  • good
  • happy
  • have
  • think
  • have
  • come into somebody’s head
  • come into somebody’s mind
  • come to somebody
  • thought about
  • thought of
  • thought on
  • just a thought
  • keep your thoughts to yourself
  • the mere thought of something
  • modern
  • 19th-century
  • etc.
  • crime
  • police
  • a school of thought
  • a strand of thought
  • careful
  • proper
  • serious
  • give somebody/​something
  • spare (somebody)
  • direct
  • go into something
  • pattern
  • process
  • experiment
  • without thought
  • after a moment’s thought
  • freedom of thought
  • a line of thought
  • careful
  • proper
  • serious
  • give somebody/​something
  • spare (somebody)
  • direct
  • go into something
  • pattern
  • process
  • experiment
  • without thought
  • after a moment’s thought
  • freedom of thought
  • a line of thought
  • kind
  • nice
  • modern
  • 19th-century
  • etc.
  • crime
  • police
  • a school of thought
  • a strand of thought

Synonyms

  • consideration

Antonyms

  • ignorance
  • unconcern
  • carelessness

Common mistakes

  • 'Thought' is often incorrectly used in the present tense as 'thinked'.
  • Learners may confuse 'thought' and 'thoughtful'.
  • Using 'thought' without a subject in sentences can lead to confusion.