Thought Meaning

UK /θɔːt/
US /θɔt/
Word Definition
thought meaning

Thought Definition & Usage

noun

The act or process of thinking, which involves reasoning, reflection, and mental contemplation.

Examples

  • "I need some time to give this problem some serious thought."
  • "Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud noise outside."
  • "What was going through your mind when you made that decision?"
  • "He sat in silence, lost in thought."
  • "The thought of leaving home made her nervous."
noun

An idea or opinion formed in the mind, often influenced by emotions or feelings.

Examples

  • "That’s an interesting thought, I never considered it that way."
  • "Her thought on the matter was that it was too risky."
  • "He shared his thoughts with the group before the meeting started."
  • "What are your thoughts on the new proposal?"
  • "After some thought, she agreed with the changes."
verb

To engage in the process of thinking or considering something carefully.

Examples

  • "I’ll think about it and get back to you tomorrow."
  • "We need to think through the consequences before making a decision."
  • "He’s still thinking over the proposal."
  • "Do you think we should call the meeting off?"
  • "I often think of my childhood when I’m feeling nostalgic."

Cultural Context

The word 'thought' has ancient origins, with its roots in Old English 'þoht', related to mental processes such as reflecting, considering, or pondering. It can express both a cognitive act and a mental product, like an idea or an opinion.

The Thoughtful Decision

Story

The Thoughtful Decision

In a quiet town by the sea, two childhood friends, Ella and Jack, sat on the porch, watching the waves crash against the rocks. They hadn’t spoken much in years, but the weight of an old dilemma had drawn them together again. "What do you think we should do?" Ella asked, her voice steady but her eyes betraying uncertainty. Jack had been thinking about the situation for days, the idea of leaving the town they both loved but that no longer felt like home. The thought of uprooting everything—family, friends, memories—was daunting. But the thought of staying and living in quiet resignation seemed even worse. "I’ve been thinking a lot about it," Jack said, gazing out at the horizon. "At first, I was sure we should stay. This town is all we know. But..." He paused, lost in thought. "It’s not about what we know, it’s about what we want. And maybe that’s what we’ve been avoiding all along." Ella nodded, the weight of his words settling on her. She had shared similar thoughts in her mind but hadn’t dared to voice them. The thought of starting over seemed like an impossible challenge, but she couldn’t deny the excitement that the possibility stirred within her. As they spoke, their thoughts became clearer. They talked through every doubt, every fear, and by the end of the evening, both had come to the same conclusion: they would take the leap. The thought of moving forward together, no matter the risk, was a thought they could both embrace. The next day, they packed their bags, their minds filled with the promise of new adventures. As they boarded the train, Jack turned to Ella with a smile. "I never thought I’d leave here, but it feels right, doesn’t it?" Ella smiled back, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of what lay ahead. "It feels like the right thought at the right time."

The Thoughtful Decision