idea

An idea is a thought that you hold in your mind. You have an idea.

• I’ve got a great idea!
• Hey, that’s a good idea.
• She has some very good ideas.
• Good idea!
• Where do you get your ideas from?
• People in that organization have thought up some very good ideas.
• Our company welcomes new ideas.
• We’re always looking for new ideas.
• Sometimes old ideas are better than new ideas.

This word is used to express opinions or comment negatively on the quality of a person’s thinking:

• You have no idea. (You don’t know anything about this subject.)
• Do you have any idea how difficult this is?
• Do you have any more bright ideas? (Your idea turned out to be a bad idea.)
• Bad idea.
• Hey, there’s an idea.
• That’s not a new idea.
• Wow, great idea. (When spoken in a sarcastic manner, the speaker does not like the idea that is presented.)

She has a good idea!

Note: The word "ideal" is related to "idea," but the meaning and the usage are different.

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May 12, 2016