idea

[[t]aɪdi͟ːə[/t]]

♦

ideas

1) N-COUNT: oft adj N, N to-inf, N of n/-ing An idea is a plan, suggestion, or possible course of action.

It's a good idea to keep a stock of slimmers' meals for when you're too busy or tired to cook...

I really like the idea of helping people...

She told me she'd had a brilliant idea.

2) N-COUNT: usu N about/on/of n, N that An idea is an opinion or belief about what something is like or should be like.

Some of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own...

There may be some truth in the idea that reading too many books ruins your eyes...

My idea of physical perfection is to be very slender.

Syn:

notion

3) N-SING: N of n/wh If someone gives you an idea of something, they give you information about it without being very exact or giving a lot of detail.

This table will give you some idea of how levels of ability in a foreign language can be measured...

Could you give us an idea of the range of complaints you've been receiving?...

If you cannot remember the exact date give a rough idea of when it was.

Syn:

impression

4) N-SING: with supp If you have an idea of something, you know about it to some extent.

By the end of the week you will have a clear idea of what your eating habits are...

No one has any real idea how much the company will make next year.

5) N-SING: N that (vagueness) If you have an idea that something is the case, you think that it may be the case, although you are not certain.

I had an idea that he joined the army later, after university, but I may be wrong.

Syn:

suspicion

6) N-SING: the N The idea of an action or activity is its aim or purpose.

The idea is to lend money to homeowners who are unable to move because their houses are worth less than their mortgages.

Syn:

objective

7) N-COUNT: N of -ing/n If you have the idea of doing something, you intend to do it.

He sent for a number of books he admired with the idea of re-reading them...

I had to postpone ideas of a career and stay at home.

Syn:

intention

8) N-SING: with brd-neg (emphasis) You can use idea in expressions such as I've no idea or I haven't the faintest idea to emphasize that you do not know something.

`Is she coming by coach?' - `Well I've no idea.'...

We haven't the faintest idea where he is.

Syn:

notion

9) PHRASE: V inflects If someone gets the idea, they understand how to do something or they understand what you are telling them. [INFORMAL]

It isn't too difficult once you get the idea...

You're beginning to get the idea.

10) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR wh (emphasis) You can say you have no idea to emphasize how good or bad something is. [INFORMAL]

We are both so happy, you have no idea...

You have no idea how depressed it made me.