Definition and meaning of English word "thought"
thought
/θɔːt/
Meaning
NounA representation created in the mind without the use of one's faculties of vision, sound, smell, touch, or taste; an instance of thinking.
How to use
In everyday conversation, 'thought' is often used to describe a fleeting idea or a moment of introspection. For example, 'I had a thought while walking to work this morning.' However, in more formal writing, it's common to use 'thought' to describe a more abstract concept or a product of mental processing. For instance, 'Her thoughts on the matter were unclear.' Be mindful of the verb tense when using 'thought' - it's often used in the past tense to describe a completed action, but can also be used in the present tense to describe a current mental state. For example, 'I'm having a thought about the project right now.'
🇬🇧 English
thought
Example
I have a thought
The thought is interesting
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- thought process— the way in which thoughts are formed and processed
- thought experiment— a hypothetical situation used to explore a concept or idea
- thought provoking— causing someone to think deeply or critically
- thought leader— a person who is recognized as an expert or authority in a particular field
- thought pattern— the way in which thoughts are organized and structured
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #39 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "thought" mean?▼
The English word "thought" means "thought" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "thought"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "thought" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "thought"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "used for ideas" (which translates as "thought").
More Abstract Concepts words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →