Synonym for Idea — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

An idea is an abstract set of thoughts, beliefs, or assumptions. Ideas can include anything from a person’s political or social stance to an innovative and creative plan. A synonym for ideais the word ‘opinion.’

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What are other synonyms for the word? Read on to find out!

Idea – Etymology and Definition of the Word

The word ‘idea’ was borrowed from the Latin word ‘idea,’ from Ancient Greek ‘ἰδέα’ (idéa, “notion, the pattern”), from εἴδω (eídō, “I see”), and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to know; see”).

An idea is:

• An image of an object formed in the brain or recalled by the mind. The mere idea of you expels me.
• Any mental activity; a thought or result of thinking.
• A concept, plan, or intention. I have an idea of how we can study effectively.
• A purposeful aim or goal.

Sentence Examples

• My mum is an event planner; I’ll ask her for ideas for your party.
• Oh no, she’s here again with her wild ideas about animals.
• I’ll draft some ideas I have concerning advertisements for the brand.
• Your ideas are old-fashioned; I don’t think they’ll be adequate for this project.
• Jerry has some brilliant ideas about how we could kick-start the business.
• Julia has her ideas about morality.
• James was knocked off to set an example for others with similar ideas.

Synonym for Idea — Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

Common synonyms (words that have similar meanings) for the word ‘idea’ are thoughts, notion, and opinion. Others are: belief, concept, plan, purpose, design, scheme, goal, object, and motive.

1. Concept

Borrowed from Middle French ‘concept,’ from Latin ‘conceptus’ (“a thought or purpose”), from concipiō (“to take in, conceive”). A concept is a plan or intention, a general notion.

• John mentioned that the concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood in the west.
• I find the whole concept of theft absurd.
• I have no conceptof this topic.

2. Notion

The word originates from Latin nōtiō (an examination, investigation or conception), from nōscere (“to know”). A notion is a mental apprehension of whatever may be known, thought or imagined, an opinion or sentiment.

• I’m all grown, but my brother still has this notion of protecting me.
• I have only a vague notion of what my father’s work entails.
• I support the notion which states that education is key to success.

3. Opinion

‘Opinion’ is from Middle English ‘opinion, opinioun,’ from Anglo-Norman and Middle French ‘opinion,’ from Latin opīniō, from opīnor (“to opine”). An opinion is a view formed about something, not necessarily based on facts or knowledge.

• I would like to know your opinions on the company website.
• In my opinion, milk chocolate is better than white chocolate.

4. Thought

The word ‘thought‘ originates from Middle English thought, ithoȝt; from Old English þōht, ġeþōht (which means the process of thinking) and from Proto-Germanic *þanhtaz, *gaþanhtą (which means “thought”). A thought is a mental or emotional state, a notion conceived by the act of pondering.

• It would be best if you gave more thought to your looks.
• What are your thoughts about the project?
• I thoroughly thought about the issue and agree with your plan.

5. Purpose

‘Purpose’ is from the Middle English word ‘purpos,’ from Old French word ‘purposer’ (“to propose”), and from Latin prō– (“forth”) + pōnere (“place, put”). A purpose is an objective, target, goal, or aim to be reached, the desired result, or an intention.

• The purpose of Raphael’s campaign was to improve the company’s sales.
• What’s your purpose in life?

Antonyms for Idea — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Reality

The word ‘reality’ is from the French word réalité (“quality of being real”), from Middle French word ‘realité’ (“property, possession”). Also, from the Medieval Latin word ‘reālitās,’ and from Late Latin word ‘reālis’ (“real”), equivalent to real +‎ -ity. Reality is the state of being actual or real.

• Reality dawned on Sheila when she discovered David had been lying to her.
• The reality of life is that it ends in death.

2. Disbelief

Disbelief is from two words dis and belief. Dis- means “not” or “the opposite of.” Belief originates from the Old English word ‘geleafa,’ which means “faith.’ Disbelief means “unwillingness or inability to believe that something is the case.”

• His response was one of complete disbelief.
• Raphael raised his eyebrows in disbeliefafter hearing what his brother did.
• Regina listened in disbeliefto the story the refugee told.

3. Fact

The word ‘fact’ derives from Old French word ‘fact,’ and Latin word ‘factum’ (“an act, deed, feat, etc.”). A fact is something actual as opposed to one invented.

• Mike presented the facts of the case.
• The fact that James loves June doesn’t mean he’s blind to her flaws.

To Wrap Up

A common synonym for idea is ‘opinion.’ Other synonyms include thought, concept, opinion, purpose, and notion. These terms also have a variety of antonyms (opposites), such as “reality” and “fact.” The sentence examples in this article will help you better understand how to use the words.