think
verb (transitive)
UK/θɪŋk/US/θɪŋk/
To have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something; to use one's mind actively to form connected ideas.
Example Sentences
I think we should leave early to avoid the traffic.
She thinks that exercise is important for maintaining good health.
They think highly of their new manager's leadership skills.
He thinks about his childhood memories often.
The committee thinks that the proposal should be revised for clarity.
We need to think carefully before making such a significant decision.
She spends a lot of time thinking about her career goals.
They think the new policy will benefit the company in the long run.
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noun (countable)
UK/θɪŋk/US/θɪŋk/
An opinion or judgment.
Example Sentences
His think on the matter was considered by the committee before making a decision.
She shared her think regarding the new project with her team.
The think expressed by the expert was influential in shaping public policy.
They valued her think and took it into account during the planning phase.
His think about the situation changed after gaining more information.
The think presented during the meeting led to a productive discussion.
Her think on education reform has been widely respected.
They discussed their thinks on how to improve the company's performance.
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How to Use
Engage in mental reflection, reasoning, or imaginative processes.Whether you’re making daily decisions or solving complex problems, using this verb involves a range of mental activities. You might deliberate on available facts, brainstorm creative solutions, or reflect on possible outcomes. In practical terms, it can be as simple as deciding what to eat for lunch (“I’m trying to decide… let me think”), or as intricate as solving a puzzle by piecing together details logically. The process often starts by collecting information—reading, listening, observing—then mentally weighing different scenarios. This helps to form judgments, reach conclusions, or spark fresh ideas.In professional settings, you might use this word to emphasize analytical depth: “We need to think through the data before making a recommendation.” By systematically examining each variable, you minimize oversights. Collaboration often enhances the experience; in group discussions or brainstorming sessions, sharing diverse viewpoints can elevate the collective thinking process, generating richer outcomes. Meanwhile, in personal growth contexts, introspection—turning your thoughts inward—can clarify your goals, values, or emotional states.Communication is another vital aspect. Expressing your thought processes aloud or in writing, you invite feedback and refine your perspectives. Sometimes, just speaking your ideas helps untangle mental knots, giving structure to half-formed insights. Balancing intuition with logic is also key; intuitive leaps might yield creative breakthroughs, while rational analysis helps maintain realism. A flexible mindset—welcoming contradictory evidence—guards against tunnel vision. Finally, reflection ties all these steps together, letting you refine your approach after seeing results. Done well, this verb signifies not just a mental act but a tool for consistent growth, problem-solving, and self-awareness. By blending curiosity, evidence, and openness to new perspectives, you elevate the process beyond random contemplation, guiding it toward purpose and clarity.
Alternatives
Several other verbs or phrases convey the concept of using your mind to reach conclusions or generate ideas. “Contemplate” suggests a deep, sustained focus—often on more abstract or philosophical subjects. “Reflect” points to looking back on experiences or ideas to glean insights. “Ponder” highlights the introspective, sometimes leisurely nature of examining a question. If you want to stress the logical side, “analyze” or “evaluate” zooms in on weighing evidence step by step.“Consider” is a versatile choice, emphasizing that you’re factoring in multiple perspectives without rushing to judgment. “Reason” reveals a more formal process, linking evidence and arguments to test the validity of conclusions. “Brainstorm” captures the free-flowing generation of ideas—often used in team environments or creative sessions. Meanwhile, “deliberate” suggests a careful weighing of pros and cons, as in a panel deliberating on a critical decision. Selecting the best alternative often depends on context: whether you’re diving into personal reflections, making formal decisions, or exploring fresh angles. Mixing these synonyms can sharpen or alter the nuance of your communication, giving you a more precise handle on how you articulate cognitive processes. By choosing a word that pinpoints the depth, speed, or method of your mental work, you ensure clarity and can shape your message for the desired effect.
Writing
When writing, using this verb strategically reveals your characters’ or speakers’ mental paths, strengthening the narrative’s depth. If you’re drafting a short story, you might depict a character’s internal monologue—“She couldn’t stop thinking about the note she found”—to illustrate emotional tension or highlight a dilemma. This technique not only humanizes the character but immerses readers in their perspective. In essays or analytical pieces, clarifying your thought process can guide the audience through your logic, creating a transparent path from premise to conclusion.However, be mindful of balance. Repeating the word excessively can make prose feel monotonous. You might vary your phrasing to reflect nuanced mental actions—“He deliberated over the problem,” “She reflected on the possibilities,” or “They mulled it over for hours.” If you’re explaining a complex issue, structuring your paragraphs to show how you introduced evidence, weighed it, and reached a conclusion can make your argument persuasive. Whether in fiction or nonfiction, integrating references to cognitive activities signals credibility, vulnerability, or curiosity, depending on your goal. At the same time, offering external evidence—statistics, eyewitness accounts, or historical examples—solidifies the rational base of your argument, steering you away from mere speculation. Combining references to thinking with concrete details is an effective way to anchor your writing, showing that your ideas emerge from both imagination and grounded reasoning.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, this term naturally weaves itself into how you share opinions, solve day-to-day problems, or gather feedback. You might hear: “I think we should grab pizza tonight,” or “What do you think about trying that new café?” Here, it often doubles as a softener, inviting other perspectives without sounding too forceful. This role in casual talk is flexible—sometimes you just want to express a preference, as in “I think we should go,” while other times you’re looking for agreement or discussion.When facing minor hiccups—like choosing a gift or deciding on weekend plans—saying, “Let me think about it,” signals a short pause to weigh the options. Friends often respond by offering suggestions or personal anecdotes. In these casual settings, using the phrase can foster an inclusive vibe, opening up the floor for group input rather than dictating decisions. If you find yourself stuck on a simple challenge—like recalling a detail or next steps—utterances like “I’m trying to think what we missed” prompt others to brainstorm with you. Tone matters, too. A calm “I think that’s okay” can reassure, while “I think you’d better reconsider” implies gentle caution without overtly criticizing. Ultimately, its informality allows quick back-and-forth exchanges that keep conversation relaxed, collaborative, and dynamic.
Etymology
Tracing back to Old English “þencan,” this verb has roots in Germanic languages, sharing ancestry with words denoting ‘to perceive’ or ‘to conceive of something mentally.’ Over time, slight spelling shifts and consonant changes took place—Anglo-Saxon scribes recorded variations including “thenke” and “thincan.” Middle English writers broadened the usage to include senses of ‘imagine,’ ‘plan,’ and ‘believe.’ The intellectual bent of the Renaissance and Enlightenment spotlighted such mental processes, so references to reasoning, introspection, and creativity became more prominent in scholarly works.The term’s adaptability—covering everything from casual personal musings to rigorous philosophical reasoning—has helped it remain a staple of English through centuries of linguistic evolution. Whether the context is Plato’s dialogues or a modern text message, the essence remains the same: exploring mental landscapes, forming ideas, or understanding phenomena. Today, its wide-ranging applications testify to the centrality of cognition in human life: we use it for reflection, decision-making, creativity, and emotional processing. In an era emphasizing critical thinking and innovation, the word remains an anchor for all forms of intellectual endeavor, transcending historical shifts and binding together everyday conversation with deep philosophical discourse.
