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Meaning & use

think

verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/θɪŋk/
US/θɪŋk/

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    To use your mind to consider ideas, reasons, memories, or possibilities.

    Grammar: No object; commonly followed by about or of: think about the plan, think of a name.

    Patterns

    • think about something
    • think of something
    • think for yourself
    • think aloud

    Give me a minute to think before I answer.

    We spent the evening thinking about possible names for the cat.

    Teenagers need space to think for themselves.

  2. verbtransitive or intransitive

    To hold an opinion, belief, or judgment about something.

    Grammar: Often takes a that-clause: I think that we should wait. It can also take a simple object after some uses.

    Patterns

    • think that
    • think someone is something
    • think so
    • think not

    I think that the meeting should start earlier.

    She thinks the new manager is fair.

    Do you think it will rain tonight?

  3. verbintransitive

    To intend, expect, or be seriously considering a possible action.

    Grammar: Usually followed by of or about plus an -ing form: thinking of moving, not thinking to move in everyday American English.

    Patterns

    • think of doing something
    • think about doing something
    • be thinking aloud

    We are thinking of buying a smaller car.

    He is thinking about applying for the scholarship.

    I was just thinking out loud when I mentioned Paris.

Word forms

third person singularthinks
past tensethought
past participlethought
-ing formthinking

Common combinations

think carefully
Think carefully before you lend money to a friend.
think twice
You should think twice before posting angry comments.
think for yourself
Good students learn to think for themselves.
think aloud
Sorry, I was thinking aloud and did not mean to interrupt.

Synonyms and how they differ

consider
Suggests examining something deliberately; stronger and slower than a quick think.
believe
States a firmer opinion, while think can sound less certain.
ponder
Means think carefully and slowly, often about something serious.
reflect
Implies serious thought about past events or deeper meaning.

Word family

thought noun
An idea or the process of thinking.
thoughtful adjective
Kind, or showing careful thinking.
thinking noun
The activity of using your mind.

Commonly confused: think or thing?

think vs thing

Think is a verb meaning use the mind; thing is a noun for an object or idea.

Practice

Choose the best completion: I think ___ we should leave before dark.

Make it your own

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