think1 verbthink2 noun
thinkthink1 /θɪŋk/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle thought /θɔːt $ θɒːt/) 
WORD ORIGINthink
Origin:
Old English thencanVERB TABLE
think
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | think |
| he, she, it | thinks | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | thought |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have thought |
| he, she, it | has thought | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had thought |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will think |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have thought |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am thinking |
| he, she, it | is thinking | |
| you, we, they | are thinking | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was thinking |
| you, we, they | were thinking | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been thinking |
| he, she, it | has been thinking | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been thinking |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be thinking |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been thinking |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Did you ask Rita?" "No, I didn't think of that."
- "He looks upset," Camilla thought.
- "What are you going to do with your day off?" "I don't know - I haven't really thought about it yet."
- "What did you do with the keys?" "Hang on, I'm just trying to think."
- Be quiet, I'm thinking.
- Do you think they'll come to the party?
- Give me time to think.
- Has she thought of any names for the baby?
- He thought and thought but he couldn't remember.
- I've been thinking about how to tell Marcia the bad news.
- I've just thought of a really good idea.
- I think I'll go and see what's happening out there.
- I thought we had a good meeting yesterday.
- I can't think where I put it.
- I never thought her business would be so successful.
- If she thought hard enough, she could just about remember what her mother looked like.
- It's a difficult question. Think carefully before you answer.
- Just let me think what the title was.
- She thinks I'm crazy to leave my job.
- The builders said the job would be finished tomorrow, but I don't think that's likely.
- As I stripped off the wet suit, I thought over our situation.
- I thought it would make a nice little plug for Mortensen and Brannigan.
- I thought of the contents of the suitcase and decided that there was something in what he said.
- I don't think I do.
- I have been thinking of killing a few people.
- In their relationship to their government they think of themselves as neither powerless nor, what is more important, alone.
- Meg, who thought things ought to be done properly, invited Alan's parents round for tea, just before Christmas.
- They would rather just cheer loudly for the athlete and not think about the politics.
THESAURUSto have a particular opinion
· I think you’re right.· She didn’t think that the film was very good.
to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about an important subject such as politics or religion: · The protestors believe that it is wrong to experiment on animals.· Do you really believe that the only solution to violence is more violence?
to have a particular opinion, especially one that is based on your feelings, not on facts: · She feels that there is no alternative.· I just felt that it was the right thing to do.
formal to have a particular opinion: · The court took the view that the company had acted unreasonably.· The college takes the view that smoking in the workplace is a fire risk.
to think about something to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc: · I’ve been thinking about what you said – maybe you’re right.· I need some time to think.
to think about something carefully before deciding what to do: · Have you considered working for a year before going to college?
(also weigh up British English) to carefully think about a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved: · You need to weigh up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages), and decide which investment is the best one for you.· The committee are still weighing the alternatives.
to think carefully about something, before you make a final decision about it: · Why don’t you give it some thought and then get back to me?· He had obviously given the matter a lot of thought.
to think about a problem, plan etc before making a decision: · Can you give me a bit of time to mull it over?
to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about something, especially a problem or something complicated: · She is still pondering what to do.· Officials are pondering ways to remove the oil from the beaches.
to think about something you might do in the future: · Did you ever contemplate resigning?
formal to think carefully about something, especially something that happened in the past: · It was a good time to reflect upon the changes that had happened in my life.
to keep thinking about something to keep thinking for a long time about something that worries you or that makes you angry or upset: · There’s no point brooding over things you can’t change.
to spend too much time thinking about something sad or unpleasant: · I try to enjoy my life today and not dwell on the past.
Longman Language Activatorto think about something before making a decision · Give me time to think.· It's a difficult question. Think carefully before you answer.think about · I've been thinking about how to tell Marcia the bad news.· "What are you going to do with your day off?" "I don't know - I haven't really thought about it yet."think hard (=think carefully) · You have to think hard and ask yourself, "Do I want to give up everything to do this?"stop to think · You never even stopped to think how this might be affecting your family!
to think about something carefully before deciding what to do: · Before buying a car you should consider the cost of insuring it.consider doing something: · Have you considered working as a journalist?
to think carefully about an idea, suggestion, or offer before deciding what to do: think something over: · After thinking it over, I've decided to accept the offer.think over something: · Think over what I told you, and give me your answer when you're ready.
to think carefully and thoroughly about all the possible results and effects of something you are doing or plan to do: think through something: · The government is being criticized for not thinking through the consequences of further tax cuts.· It seems to me the whole plan was very badly thought through.think something through: · Before you commit yourself to this contract you should take a couple of hours to think it through.
also have a think British to spend some time thinking carefully about a question or problem in order to decide what to do: · My agent really wanted me to do the movie, but after giving it some thought I decided not to.· I'm still not sure what's the best route to take. I'll have a think about it tonight.
to delay making a decision about a difficult problem until the next day in order to have more time to think about it: · There's no obligation to do anything at all. Sleep on it, and tell me what you think in the morning.
to spend a long time thinking carefully about a plan or idea: mull over something: · If you are mulling over the idea of starting a new business, remember that there are many things that can affect your decision.mull something over: · After almost two decades of mulling it over in his mind, Sayles finally made his Texas movie.
if a plan, request, suggestion etc is under consideration , it is being considered and discussed so that an official decision can be made: · A new pension plan for employees is now under consideration.· One of the amendments under consideration proposes that all European countries reduce pollution levels by 30%.
to think about something a lot · I've given this a lot of thought, because we all know that health care issues are very important today.give a lot of thought to something · Tony has given a lot of thought to what made his father a legendary coach.· Many of the new West-Coast designers have obviously given a lot of thought to their furniture designs.
to be thinking about something all the time, especially because you are worried about it: · She has something on her mind, but she won't tell us what it is.· "Should we tell Dad?" "No, he's got a lot on his mind right now."be on somebody's mind: · Come on, tell me what's on your mind.· I'm not looking forward to the interview. It's been on my mind all week.
also can't get somebody/something out of my mind informal to be unable to stop thinking about someone or something, even when you do not want to think about them: · After the first three months of the pregnancy were over, I just couldn't stop thinking about food.· I just can't get that poor family out of my mind.
to spend too much time thinking about something sad or unpleasant - use this especially when telling someone not to do this: · Brian's still dwelling too much on the past, in my opinion.· There's no use in dwelling on problems that we can't do anything about.
to keep thinking for a long time about something that worries you or that makes you angry or upset: · Austin sat in the corner brooding and looking sorry for himself.brood on/over/about: · You can't spend all your time at home brooding about the way he treated you.· The poetry spends a lot of time brooding over death.
to spend all your time thinking about something that concerns you, for example your work, so that you have no time to think about other things or other people: · These days she's so wrapped up in her children she never sees anybody.· Sometimes the professors are so wrapped up in their graduate students, they ignore the undergraduates.
to be thinking all the time about something that is worrying you or that is important to you, so that it is difficult to think about anything else: · What is being done to end the crisis which has preoccupied the country's political leadership?be preoccupied with: · My mother was preoccupied with my brother and his illness, so I was allowed to do what I wanted.
spoken to be always thinking about a particular thing - use this when you want to say that someone thinks about something far too much: · It's unbelievable - you have sex on the brain 24 hours a day!
to think about something carefully and repeatedly, especially something you do not fully understand or that you have not made a final decision about: · When Dan left, Mae stayed there, turning his invitation over in her mind.· As he studied the picture of the little boy, he began to turn an idea over in his mind.
to think about something you might do in the future · Have you ever thought about a cruise to the Bahamas?think about/of doing something · I'm thinking of specializing in Russian and Chinese.· We thought about going away for a week or two, but neither of us have time.
to think seriously about something important you intend to do in the future - use this especially in written and formal contexts: · Isn't 17 a little young to be contemplating marriage?contemplate doing something: · Many years ago he had contemplated writing a book about his childhood.· The government was contemplating fining anyone who was found within the island's danger zone.
to think about something that you might possibly do in the future, but without definitely deciding whether you will do it or not: · We began to consider the possibility of moving to Japan permanently.· For any skin problem, it's worth considering a change of diet.consider doing something: · I considered driving out to Atlantic City to meet her.· Have you considered getting a new car?
to think about doing something in the future, but not very seriously because you probably will not do it: · Lately I've been toying with the idea of a trip to South America.toy with the idea of doing something: · He began toying with the idea of writing a book about his years in the FBI. · As late as the age of forty, I toyed with the idea of going back to college.
to think about the advantages and disadvantages of something to think carefully about the situation you are in, and about the way it has developed so far, in order to decide what to do next: · Between projects, Morrison tries to rest, take stock, and do some gardening for relaxation.take stock of: · Now that the crisis is over, it is time to take stock of the political situation in the region.· It's time to take stock of what our government does and weed out the wasteful and ineffective programs.
to carefully consider a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved, so that you can make a decision: · I've been weighing up all the pros and cons of moving to London.· Investors are weighing their next moves after the stock market climbed to record heights yesterday. weigh something against something: · After weighing the cost of the new program against supposed benefits, the directors decided to cancel the project.
when someone is thinking about something someone who is thoughtful has a serious expression on their face and does not say anything, because they are thinking deeply about something: · Suddenly he became more thoughtful, and his eyes filmed over with sadness.· My mother sat and watched me eating my food with a thoughtful expression on her face -- I could tell she had something to say.
thinking deeply about something and seeming a little sad - use this especially in literary contexts: · He kept looking over at her sad, pensive face.· As he ended his trip, the usually upbeat Mr. Liebenow was in a pensive mood.
to be thinking so deeply about something that you do not notice what is happening around you: · She'd been so deep in thought, she hadn't heard the man open the dining room door.· Her mother stood folding the wash, lost in thought.
when you do or say something without thinking · Without thinking, Charlotte hugged the girl to try to comfort her.without thinking about · Most US companies are still spewing out carbon dioxide without thinking about its potential costs.
spoken if you give an answer off the top of your head , you say it without thinking about it for very long and without being sure it is correct: · "How much is the house worth?" "Off the top of my head, I'd say it's worth maybe $160,000."
if you say or do something in the heat of the moment , you do it very suddenly and without thinking when you are feeling angry or excited, so that you feel sorry about it afterwards: · "In the heat of the moment, my emotions took over and I hit him," Harper admitted.· Our children need to know not only how to prevent pregnancies, but also the long-term effects of a decision they make in the heat of the moment.
an automatic response, reaction, or answer is one that happens immediately and without you having to think, especially because you have done it many times before: · A teacher's automatic reaction is to correct mistakes in language.· Elizabeth immediately flew into a rage - her automatic response to any kind of criticism.
if you do something automatically , you do it as a natural reaction and without thinking, because it is what you always do: · His mother continued to talk angrily, and Tim's thoughts automatically switched to more pleasant subjects.· You cannot automatically assume that everything your teacher says is correct.
a reflex action, response, or movement is a physical movement that you make as a natural reaction to something, without having to think about doing it: · a reflex eye movement· At birth, an infant can perform only simple reflex actions and behaviours.
a reaction that someone makes without thinking at all, because it is the way they always react - use this about a reaction that you expect and disapprove of: · Their knee-jerk reaction is to object to everything the management suggests.· If a journalist's judgement is questioned, the knee-jerk reaction is usually, "I have a right to print whatever I want, so I will."
an off-the-cuff remark is one that you make without thinking carefully and without any preparation: · The press officer said that the president's statement was an off-the-cuff remark, not as an official statement of policy.
when a thought comes into your mind to have an idea or thought in your mind, especially one that appears suddenly: · What are you thinking right now?think of: · I've just thought of a really good idea.· Has she thought of any names for the baby?· "Did you ask Rita?" "No, I didn't think of that."think of doing something: · There was water spraying everywhere, but nobody even thought of turning it off.think (that): · I think I'll go and see what's happening out there.
to think of an idea: · I have an idea. Why don't I drive the kids to school and then you can stay here.· Let me know if you have any good ideas.· Theresa had another idea. We would hitchhike to her hometown, and live in her brother's garagehave an idea for: · Collings had an idea for a device that would block out TV programs that parents didn't want their children to watch.
spoken to think something: · I've just had an awful thought. What if all the banks are closed?· I had an interesting thought today when I was talking to Anita. Do you realize that she's never asked us to her house in all the time we've known her?
if a new thought occurs to you, you suddenly think it: it occurs to somebody that: · It suddenly occurred to Miranda that perhaps no one would believe her story.· Didn't it occur to you that I might be worried?something occurs to somebody: · The possibility that he might be wrong never occurs to him.it occurs to somebody to do something: · As I thought about Mel and David and how similar they were, it occurred to me to introduce them to each other.
if a thought crosses someone's mind they think about it for a short time: · "Why didn't you call me?" "The thought did cross my mind while I was shopping this afternoon, but then I forgot all about it.it crossed somebody's mind that: · It crossed my mind that I was the only female coach on the committee, but that made me more determined than ever.it crossed somebody's mind to do something: · Several times it had crossed his mind to check on the car, but he never actually did it.it never crossed somebody's mind: · "It never crossed my mind to give up," he said. "It became an obsession."
if a thought enters someone's mind , they begin to think about it: it entered somebody's mind that: · At that moment it entered my mind that maybe someone was trying to kill him.it entered somebody's mind to do something: · Did it ever enter your mind to take out the garbage?it never entered somebody's mind: · It never entered my mind that Philip might be jealous.
if a thought or idea strikes you, you suddenly think it, especially because of something you have just seen or heard: it strikes somebody that: · I looked around the glittering room and it struck me that I was probably the poorest person there.strike somebody as strike adjective: · My mother was always asking questions, and it struck me as odd that she didn't ask one on this occasion.
if something comes or springs to mind , you suddenly think it, especially in relation to a particular subject that you are considering: · As I read the letter again, a number of thoughts came to mind.· Henry asked the first question that came to mind.· I love the circus life, but when people asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, "circus performer" was not what sprang to mind.
to have a particular opinion: think (that) · We didn't think that the concert was very good.· She thinks I'm crazy to leave my job.· I thought we had a good meeting yesterday.what do you think of somebody/something (=what is your opinion about them?) · What did you think of the new car? Did you drive it?
to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about something important such as life, religion, or politics: believe (that): · The party believes strongly that health care should be provided for everyone.· We believe human rights are more important than economic considerations.
to have a strong opinion, but one which is based on your feelings rather than on facts: feel (that): · Liz's parents feel she isn't old enough to leave home.· I feel that we're just beginning to make progress, and that it would be wrong to stop now.
especially American, informal to develop a particular opinion about a situation after considering it carefully: · What do you figure his chances of winning are?figure (that): · The operation went fine, and they figure he'll be home next week.· I'm telling you because I figure you're the only one who can keep a secret.
especially British, informal to have a particular opinion about something or someone: · What do you reckon - would this make a good present for Donald's birthday?reckon (that): · They reckon the French team's better than ours.be reckoned to be something: · This hotel is reckoned to be one of the best in the country.
formal to have an opinion about someone or something after thinking carefully about them: consider somebody/something something: · We do not consider this film suitable for young children.· I would consider it an honour to serve on the Executive Committee.consider somebody/something to be something: · She is considered to be one of the finest pianists of her generation.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing: regard somebody/something as something: · She regards herself more as an entertainer than a singer.· America was seen as the land of opportunity.· Several members of the government have said they regard the Minister's statement as ridiculous.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing, especially when your opinion is wrong, unusual, or unfair: · Most people think of Leonardo da Vinci as a great artist, but he was also a great scientist.· Learning a language should be thought of as a natural process.· Even doctors may look on these patients as drug addicts and treat them as social outcasts.
to decide to have a particular opinion about a situation or about life in general, especially when other people have different opinions - use this in formal or written contexts: · Nineteenth century scientists took the view that the Universe was meaningless.· Aristotle was of the opinion that there would always be rich and poor within society.· The committee is of the opinion that the contract is not legally binding.
to be thought of as being important or very good by a large number of people: · Von Braun was then acknowledged as the world's foremost expert on rocket engineering.· Lawrence's novel was rejected at first, but it later came to be recognized as a work of genius.
the way you generally think about something · When I told them I was a doctor their whole attitude changed.· What I don't need is somebody with an attitude problem.attitude to/towards · His attitude to his new job seemed to be very negative.· In order to change attitudes towards employing women, the government is bringing in new laws.attitude of · They maintained an attitude of defiance to social conventions.
an attitude that a particular group of people has, which makes them behave in a way that you think is stupid or wrong: · I don't understand the mentality of these teenagers.· She despised the bourgeois mentality of the professional class.· You know, I wonder if this is a male kind of mentality.
the attitude of a person or group, especially about what other people should or should not do: · You'll come to understand my way of thinking when you're my age and you have your own children to worry about.· I was glad to be with people who shared my way of thinking.
someone's general attitude to life: · After a good vacation, you'll have a completely different outlook.· The farmers were narrowly provincial in their outlook.outlook on (=attitude to life etc): · His outlook on life is largely a result of his strict education.
the attitude that a person, group or nation has towards life or the world: · The traditional Indian world view is based on certain definite concepts.· the Communist world view· He believes the change in the world view has occurred because of the new developments in communications.
the way a particular person or group tends to think, especially when this is difficult to change: · The residents of this city have an insular mindset, so strangers are not always made welcome.· The mindset of that generation was definitely more obedient than today's.· There does seem to have been a slight shift in the government's mindset in the light of recent events.
what you say when giving your opinion spoken say this when giving your opinion. I believe is more formal than I think: I think/believe (that): · I think it's a great idea.· I believe that we can do better than this.
use this especially in formal contexts: · In my opinion, most people learn best by doing, not by sitting in a classroom and reading about it.· She is, in my opinion, one of the foremost artists of our time.
especially spoken use this especially when you do not care if other people do not agree with your opinion: · He says he tried hard to make the relationship work, but it wasn't hard enough as far as I'm concerned.· I will not go on a plane. As far as I'm concerned, they're just accidents waiting to happen.
spoken say this especially when you are giving your opinion about a particular problem: · If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.· All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.
spoken say this when giving your opinion: · To me, the system seemed too complicated for most people. · They call Ned Kelly a criminal, but to me he will always be a hero.
say this when giving your opinion: · As I see it, there are two alternatives. We can either stay with your parents or rent a place.· The way I see it, if you don't borrow money now, you'll lose the opportunity to expand the business.
spoken say this to emphasize that something is your opinion: · Personally, I think it's a crazy idea.· Personally, I don't care how it gets done, as long as it's done quickly.personally speaking: · Personally speaking, I think it's a great name for a cigarette.
to think that something is true, but not be sure to think something is true, but you are not completely sure. Believe is more formal than think: think/believe (that): · I think Jill moved to the new house last week.· "Is it painted?" "No, I think it's a mosaic."I think so/I believe so (=say this to answer "yes" to a questions when you are fairly sure that something is true): · "Has James gone home?" "Yes, I think so."
to think that something is true, although you have no proof: · You shouldn't just assume things without getting all the facts.assume (that): · I just assumed that the woman standing next to Jack was his wife.· We assume that other industrialized nations are going to help with money for food and other supplies.we can safely assume (=it is reasonably certain): · I think we can safely assume that the practice is legal.
something that you think is true although you have no proof: · Yes the Socialists will probably win -- that seems a fair assumption.make the assumption that: · At that time we had to make the assumption that the disease was spreading and take action to stop it.on the assumption that: · Eden acted on the assumption that his allies would support him.
to wrongly believe that something is true, because of something you have heard or seen: · I was under the impression that you couldn't get a parking ticket on private property.be under the mistaken impression (that): · The average American is under the mistaken impression that wildlife refuges have been set up to protect animals.
to think that something is probably true, especially something bad: suspect (that): · I suspect that he never really loved her.· No one suspected anything was wrong.as somebody suspected: · As we suspected, there is a problem with the braking system, and it will be replaced.
to feel sure that something is true because of information that you have, although there is always some possibility that you are wrong: believe (that): · Police believe that the money was stolen by a gang of youths.believe somebody to be capable/honest/a fool etc: · I had always believed Catherine to be absolutely honest in money matters.firmly believe: · Both sides firmly believe that a peace settlement is now possible.
to be fairly sure of something, especially because you have a good reason to think so, although you have no proof: presume (that): · The committee presumed that its decisions would be carried out.presume somebody/something to be somebody/something: · Many scientists presumed the new damage to the forests to be the result of higher levels of pollution.be presumed innocent/dead/responsible etc: · The defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty.
if you say something presumably is a fact, you think it must be true because of the information you have: · Several of the villagers disappeared, presumably killed by enemy soldiers.· The audience hears the word so many times during the play that presumably they learn what it means if they didn't already know.
to think that something is probably true, especially because of some information you have - use this in written or formal contexts: suppose (that): · We have no reason to suppose that the girl is dead.· There are many reasons to suppose that Shakespeare was familiar with the stories of medieval Italy.
to be sure that something is true without ever asking yourself whether you are right or not: · I never asked if she was single - I just took it for granted.take it for granted (that): · I took if for granted that Steven would still be working for us when the new project started.
what you say when you think something is true, but you are not sure spoken · She'll be here about 9, I think.I think (that) · I think the dog must have eaten it.I think so · "Is Matthew still here?" "I think so -- I've just seen him."I would think so · "Will Jenny be at the meeting?" "I would think so."
spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Having a burglar alarm makes you feel safer, I suppose.I suppose (that): · I suppose we can pay by credit card but we'd better check first.I suppose so (=say this to answer a question): · "Will the children be disappointed?" "Yes, I suppose so."
especially American, spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Rob just got tired of living with her, I guess.I guess (that): · I guess this is the best way to do it.I guess so: · "Is the truck safe to drive now?" "I guess so."
to start to think something is a fact because of various things that happen, because of the way someone is behaving etc: get the impression/feeling/idea (that): · I got the impression she was actually quite nervous about it.· Walking down the main street, you get the feeling that nothing ever happens in this town.· I don't want you to get the idea that I don't like him.get this/that idea: · "He thinks you're angry with them." "Where on earth did he get that idea?"
spoken say this when you think that something is true, although you realize that you may not know all the facts: · As far as I know, Caroline's never been married.· Alaska doesn't have any drilling sites off the coast, as far as I know.
spoken say this when you think that something is likely to be true, although what you say is only based on your opinion: I imagine (that): · I imagine she's stuck in a traffic jam or something.I would imagine (that): · I would imagine that Libby could help you - she knows a lot about legal things.
spoken say this when you want to make it clear that there may be things you do not know about a situation: · As far as I am aware, Mr Cusner and his family are still living in Cleveland, Ohio.
formal spoken say this when you want to make it clear that you are not completely sure about the statement you are making: · To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that anyone has translated these poems into English.
spoken say this when you think that something is true and you are asking someone else to tell you that you are right: I take it (that): · I take it that you're Rob's sister?· So can we take it that you'll be at the meeting?· You've made plans for the future, I take it?
to admire someone to have a very good opinion of someone, either because they have achieved something special or because they have skills or qualities that you would like to have: · Corbin is a superb musician. I really admire him.· I admire the way Sarah has brought up the children on her own.· What I admire most about Lee is his patience.admire somebody for something: · People admired her for her beauty and intelligence.· Rollins is most admired for her poetry, but she also writes fiction.be greatly/much admired: · Morrow's new production of 'The Nutcracker' has been greatly admired.
to have a good opinion of someone, even if you do not agree with them or want to be like them, because they have high standards and good personal qualities: · He's a very strict teacher, but the students respect him.· Logan, a long-serving Congressman, was both feared and respected by his political opponents.respect somebody for something: · She always told me exactly what she thought, and I respected her for that.
to respect and admire someone who is older than you or who has authority over you: · I've always looked up to my older brother, Jerry.· The children need someone they can look up to.
if someone is highly regarded or respected, they are admired very much because they are very good at what they do: · a highly respected surgeonhighly regarded/respected by: · Dr. Franklin was highly regarded by his colleagues at Syracuse University.
to admire someone very much, especially because they do their job very well and always work hard: · Most of the students and staff think very highly of Dr. Smith.be highly thought of: · Sally is an excellent administrator. She is highly thought of here.
also hold somebody in high regard/esteem formal to admire a person or their abilities very much, especially because they have special skills or very high standards in their work: · Film critics continue to hold Bergman in high esteem.have a high opinion of somebody as something: · Croft had a high opinion of Marx as a political thinker.
to admire someone and the work that they do, especially a leader, writer, artist etc: · I've always been an admirer of Potter's work, and was very sad to hear of her death.be a great/real admirer of somebody: · My tutor was a great admirer of Shakespeare, and often quoted him.
to approve of something or someone · Don will only buy the motorcycle if his parents approve.approve of · I was surprised that Mom seemed to approve of Tracy's new boyfriend.· Bob doesn't approve of alcohol.· Forty percent of registered voters approved of Senator Campbell.approve of (somebody) doing something · Do you approve of doctors using human embryos for research?
spoken to approve of something -- used especially when you are talking about something other people might not agree with: · My mother made me get a part-time job when I was sixteen, and I think that's right.think it is right (for somebody) to do something: · The bank invests a lot of money in the tobacco industry: do you think it's right for them to do that?· He doesn't think it's right for someone so young to be learning about sex at school.
to approve of something such as a decision, a way of doing something, or a plan: · Mr. Senator, do you agree with the court's decision?· I have never agreed with animal experimentation.
to approve of a type of behaviour or way of doing something, especially because you think there are important principles involved: · Hilary doesn't believe in sex before marriage.believe in doing something: · We believe in letting everyone have the right to see their own medical records.
to say or show that you approve of something that most people think is wrong: · The state appears to condone police brutality.· I'm not condoning his behaviour, but I can understand why he wanted revenge on his daughter's attacker.
to think that someone or something is bad or morally wrong to think that someone or something is bad, morally wrong, or very stupid: · I could tell from my mother's face that she disapproved.disapprove of: · A lot of church leaders disapproved of the book when it was first published.disapprove of somebody doing something: · My friends disapprove of me smoking.strongly disapprove (=disapprove very much): · I strongly disapprove of any form of gambling.
to think that someone or something is bad, morally wrong, or very stupid: do not approve of: · His mother clearly did not approve of Sophie.do not approve of somebody doing something: · You know I don't approve of you smoking.
how you feel when you think someone's ideas, behaviour, or actions are bad or morally wrong: do something with disapproval: · She looked at our clothes with obvious disapproval.somebody's disapproval/the disapproval of somebody: · Peter was determined to go to art school, despite his parents' disapproval.
to think that something is morally wrong and should not happen: · A lot of people now think that killing animals for food is wrong.think it is wrong to do something: · I think it's wrong to hit a child, whatever the circumstances.
if a group of people frown on or upon a particular kind of behaviour, they think that it is not the right way to behave: · The people who went to church frowned on those who spent Sunday mornings in bed.· Romantic relationships between teachers and students are frowned upon by the college authorities.
to disapprove of someone's behaviour - use this especially about someone in authority or someone who could take action to stop the behaviour: · The school takes a very dim view of this behaviour.· The electorate took a dim view of the tax increase.
to think that a particular person or group of people has a bad character, so that you do not respect them: · I'm afraid I have a rather low opinion of Mr Evans.· He had a very low opinion of insurance salesmen.
to disapprove of someone because of a particular thing they have done: · I didn't want my parents or teachers to think badly of me.· Please, Harry, you mustn't think badly of me. I had no choice.
informal to strongly disapprove of a particular kind of behaviour, attitude, or idea: · I don't hold with racism. Never have, never will.· Many of the older generation simply don't hold with mixed marriages.
to not like something or someone · John doesn't like garlic.· Why did you invite Claire? You know I don't like her.not like doing something · My girlfriend doesn't like camping.· I don't like walking home alone at night.not like something/somebody very much · Mum didn't like Mark very much when she first met him.
written to think someone or something is very unpleasant: · Eldridge was a quiet man who disliked social occasions.· She now seriously disliked her former friend.dislike doing something: · I dislike having to get up so early in the morning.dislike somebody/something intensely (=dislike them very much): · Muriel disliked Paul intensely.
spoken to think that something is not very good or that someone is not very good at something: · You don't think much of Carol, do you?· The hotel was okay, though I didn't think much of the food.· I don't think much of The Beatles, to be quite honest.
British informal to not like something, although you do not think it is very bad or very unpleasant: · Actually, I'm not very keen on modern art.· George had never been particularly fond of small children.
if someone is not your type , they are not the kind of person you usually like or enjoy being with: · Rob isn't her type at all.· "What do you think of Michael?" "He looks a bit rough - he's not really my type."
also not be somebody's cup of tea British informal to not be the kind of thing that you enjoy - use this about activities, films, books etc: · Tennis is not my thing.· Horror films aren't really my cup of tea.
use this to say that something is not the type of thing that you like or that you think is good: · It seems that the music wasn't exactly to his taste.· The food wasn't really to my liking - it all tasted rather salty.
to dislike a person, their attitude, or their behaviour and have no respect for them: · I've no time for that kind of attitude.· My father had no time for complainers.· He has no time for players who aren't completely dedicated.
to be unwilling to accept a particular situation, suggestion, or type of behaviour, because you think it is annoying: · Nancy doesn't take kindly to being corrected.· He didn't take very kindly to being disturbed in the middle of the night.
to decide it is better not to do something formal to not do something that you want to do or usually do, especially because you do not want to offend or upset someone: · Kate wanted to slap Keith round the face but she refrained.refrain from: · Rand refrained from comment on the scandal involving his opponent.refrain from doing something: · Please refrain from smoking in the restaurant.
to decide not to do something, especially something enjoyable, because it is considered to be bad for your health or morally wrong: · Most of the church members drink only moderately or abstain completely.abstain from: · You should abstain from food and caffeinated drinks before the operation.abstain from doing something: · Junior politicians are supposed to abstain from criticizing the government.
to not do something extreme, even though what you have been doing or saying until now makes this very likely to be the next thing you do: · The US was willing to support sanctions, but stopped short of military intervention.stop short of doing something: · Morris has strongly criticized Paulson's writings but stops short of calling him a racist.
to not do something, especially because you are worried about what will happen if you do: · He wanted to tell her everything, but something made him hold back.hold back from doing something: · Republicans have expressed interest in the plan but have held back from making a commitment.
to stop yourself from doing something you want to do, because you do not want to offend someone, spoil a secret etc: · It was all I could do to keep from hitting him.keep yourself from doing something: · Sara was so excited, she could hardly keep herself from giving away the whole plan.
to decide or agree not to do something, especially because it is likely to be unsuccessful or is unnecessary: · Look, we aren't making any progress - let's just forget the whole idea.forget it spoken: · If you're not going to take this project seriously we might as well forget it.
to not do something that you were going to do, or to think very carefully before you do it, because you know it could have a bad result: · Anyone thinking about having unprotected sex should think twice.think twice about: · I hope this latest attack will make people think twice about mindless violence towards ethnic minorities.think twice before doing something: · The heavy penalties are designed to make people think twice before committing a crime.
not caring about something: don't think (that) · At first I didn't think that Jim was going to reply.· I don't think many people will come to the meeting, do you?don't think so · "Do we have any coffee left?'' "I don't think so -- I'll have a look.''· "Is Mr Brown there?'' "No, I don't think so, I saw him go out earlier.''
to think that something will probably not happen or is probably not true: doubt if/whether: · We'd better go to the party, but I doubt if it'll be very exciting.· I doubt whether I'll be able to find a decent car for the price I can afford. doubt (that): · Some people doubted that the attacks on the American ships had actually taken place.very much doubt/doubt very much: · I very much doubt whether we'll get someone for the job by September.seriously doubt: · At the time we seriously doubted that the doctor had got the diagnosis right.doubt it: · It was possible that Maggie had been delayed, but he doubted it.
if you are doubtful about something, you do not believe that it will happen or should be done: · Mick felt optimistic about going to work in Hong Kong, but Sue was doubtful.· My brother looked doubtful when I asked him if he'd mind looking after the baby.be doubtful about: · A lot of us felt doubtful about the project at the beginning.be doubtful (that): · The doctor said she was doubtful that antibiotics would work.it is doubtful whether/that/if: · It is doubtful that life could survive under such extreme conditions as these.
if you are dubious about something, you do not think it is a good idea or that it is true: · "Do you think they'll let us in?'' Gabby looked dubious.be dubious about: · Marian is still dubious about whether any of the government's "solutions" will work.
spoken say this when you think something is very unlikely to happen or is very unlikely to be true: · I'd be surprised if they get here in time for the show.· I'd be very surprised if Ronnie got the job -- he just doesn't have enough experience.
spoken say this when you think that something is unlikely to happen or be true, especially when you are not completely sure that you are right: I wouldn't have thought (that): · I wouldn't have thought that there would be much traffic on a Sunday morning.I wouldn't have thought so: · "Will John and Carmen be coming tonight?" "I wouldn't have thought so. They're very busy at the moment."
spoken use this in order to say politely that you think what someone has said is unlikely: · "I think Kate and Eddie will end up getting married." "Really? I'm not sure about that."
when someone can do something easily · A burglar could easily climb in through that window.· When I went to college, I made friends very easily.easily recognized/damaged/done etc (=when something can be recognized, damaged etc easily) · These plates are easily damaged, so please be careful with them.· Lizzie and Jane are so alike that they're easily mistaken for each other.
something that is effortless is done in a way that makes it seem very easy, although in fact it is very skilful: · The way she dances makes it seem so effortless.· Other musicians were amazed by Parker's effortless improvisational skill.
if something comes naturally to you, you seem to have a natural ability to do it, so that you can do it well without having to try hard: · Her family are all actors, so it probably comes naturally.come naturally to: · Speaking in public seems to come quite naturally to her.· Looking after babies doesn't come naturally to all new mothers.
to be able to do something very easily, especially because you have done it so many times before: · He's a really good mechanic -- he could change a tyre standing on his head.· Don't worry. I've driven to the Bronx so many times, I could do it standing on my head.
to think that something is a very easy and normal thing to do, although most people think it is difficult and unusual: · Emily thinks nothing of preparing a meal for twenty people.· Before cars were invented, people thought nothing of walking six miles to work.
informal to win or succeed in something easily: · McKenzie breezed the first three rounds of the tournament.· She's likely to breeze through this game, but the next might not be so easy.
to expect something if you expect something to happen, you think it probably will: · I'm expecting a fax from Korea. Has anything arrived yet?· Drivers should expect long delays on all roads out of town today.expect to do something: · I expected to find him in the bar, but he wasn't there.expect (that): · We all expected she'd get the job - it was a real shock when she didn't.expect somebody/something to do something: · Economists expect the economy to grow by 5% next year.fully expect (=confidently expect that something will definitely happen): · Perkins fully expects to be back in Boston by July 1.
to believe that something is likely to happen: think (that): · Do you think they'll come to the party?· I never thought her business would be so successful.think something is likely: · The builders said the job would be finished tomorrow, but I don't think that's likely.
to expect that something will happen, and be prepared for it - use this especially to say that something was different from what you had expected: · The journey took a lot longer than we had anticipated.anticipate that: · We had anticipated that interest rates would have fallen further by now.anticipate doing something: · I think we've fixed everything, and I don't anticipate finding any more problems.
what you say when you expect something to happen especially British /I guess especially American · Hasn't Tony arrived yet? He'll be here soon, I expect.I expect (that) · I expect your mother will be overjoyed when she hears you're having a baby.I expect/guess so · "Is Alan going to drive tonight?" "Yeah, I guess so."
informal use this to introduce something that you expect to happen because of what you know about someone or about the way things usually happen. I bet is more common than my bet is: I bet/my bet is (that): · I bet you'll miss your boyfriend when you go away for college.· Sandra says she's never going to have any children, but my bet is she has at least three.
use this when you have a feeling that something is going to happen, especially something bad or unpleasant: · You'll find Rick's parents rather hard to talk to, I suspect.I suspect (that): · I suspect that 10 years after the book is published, nobody will even remember the name of the author.
especially British also I should think British use this when you think something is likely to happen although you are not really sure: · It'll be cooler down by the lake, I would think.I would think (that): · I should think Sarah and Greg will be going to the party.I would/should think so: · "Will you have finished work by 6.30?'' "Oh yes, I should think so.''
say this when you think something may happen, even though other people think it is unlikely: · "Do you think they'll get married?" "I wouldn't be surprised."I wouldn't be surprised if: · You know, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the top executives lose their jobs.
formal use this to introduce something that you expect to happen because of information that you have: · My expectation is that the two companies will eventually come to an agreement.
to think of an idea · I've had an idea. What do you think about going to Greece this summer?· That's the best idea you've had all day.have an idea for · Do you have any ideas for a birthday present for Mum?have the idea of doing something · He had the idea of hiding Ali's shoes.
to think of an idea - use this especially to say what made you think of it or to ask someone what made them think of it: · Where on earth did you get that idea?get the idea for something: · Mark got the idea for the novel when he was in Boston in 1969.get an idea from: · It wasn't my own idea. I got it from a TV movie.get the idea of doing something: · She first got the idea of working with elderly people after the death of her mother.get an idea that : · I don't know how she got the idea that she was too fat.
to have an idea about what to do, how to do something etc: · At first, we couldn't think of a name for the band.· Seth decided to go home. He couldn't think of anything else to do.· Ask Dad. He might be able to think of a solution.
if an idea comes to someone, they have the idea suddenly and without trying hard to think of it: · The idea for the new advertising campaign came to me while I was visiting Thailand.it came to somebody that: · It suddenly came to me that I'd seen her somewhere before.come to somebody in a flash (=very suddenly): · It came to Blake in a flash that the man was really a detective.
informal to have a good idea after thinking about or working on a problem for a long time: · At last we hit on a way of getting Tom and Marcia to meet.· The architects finally hit upon a design that seemed to please everyone.
if someone's plan, work of art, action etc is inspired by something, that is what gave them the idea to do it: · The novel was inspired by her own experiences in India.· Some of Picasso's work was inspired by African art.· The 1911 strike was inspired by the revolutionary ideas flooding out of Europe at that time.
to be independent in the way you think to make decisions or form opinions without expecting other people to help or approve of you: · Parents should encourage their children to think for themselves.· The purpose of this question is to force students to think for themselves.· 'You're going to have to start thinking for yourself,' said David sternly.
to have a strong character and strong opinions that are not influenced by other people's: · She's a woman with a mind of her own, who says what she thinks.· But Mansell has a mind of his own, and he was adamant he would make racing his career.
to have a strong character and be confident about what you want to do: · Though not yet 15, Sara knows her own mind, and has already decided on a career.· I'm in my mid-thirties and ought to know my own mind by now, but I'm scared of getting married.
to be confident of your opinions, without letting other people influence you - use this when you approve of someone like this: · Stan was intellectual, confident and above all, his own man.· She didn't want to quarrel with him, but made it plain that she was her own woman now, with her own life to lead.· Sheila is very much her own woman. She'll listen to everyone and then make up her mind for herself.
to like someone a lot and care about them to love someone in your family, so that you care a lot about what happens to them, and you want them to be happy: · I really believed that my parents didn't love me.· He loved his stepdaughter as if she were his own child.
if people are close , they enjoy being together and they know and understand each other's feelings and thoughts: · My sister and I used to argue a lot, but now we're very close.· We have always been a close family.close to: · I'm still very close to my parents.
to like someone very much, especially after spending a long time with them and getting to know them: · I'm very fond of my sister's children.· All teachers have children that they are particularly fond of.· We were all very fond of Mr Edwards.
to feel love and concern for someone: · She thinks we're interfering but we're only doing it because we care.· Buy her some flowers to show her you really care.care about: · I'm very lucky to have a husband, family and friends who care about me.· Of course I care about Kirsty - that's why I want to help her.
to love someone very much and feel proud of them: · Branwell Bronte adored his sister Anne.· She adores her grandchildren and is always buying them presents.
to love and admire someone very much: · He worshipped his elder brother.worship the ground somebody walks on (=love someone very much, even if they behave badly): · In Susie's eyes he can do no wrong - she worships the ground he walks on.
to love someone very much and be very loyal to them or spend all your time with them: · He is a good man, devoted to his wife and children.
to love someone, especially someone younger than you, very much and show this by your actions: · He'd do anything for his children - he really dotes on them.· She obviously dotes on her grandson.· You should visit your aunt more often, you know how she dotes on you all.
to love and respect someone so much that they are very important in your life: · We all thought the world of Isaac and were devastated when he died.· He thinks the world of his uncle.
when it is likely that something will happen or is true when something will probably happen or is probably true: · "Where is she?" "Probably in her room."· We'll probably be shooting the movie on location in Europe.· Archaeologists think the temple was probably built in the 3rd century AD.· He wrote dozens of books, but this is probably his best-known novel.
something that is likely will probably happen or is probably true: · The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.likely to do something: · The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.very likely: · The jury is very likely to believe he was in the apartment at the time of the crime.something seems likely: · A peace settlement now seems likely.it is likely (that): · It is likely that the girl knew her killer.
formal likely to be true or likely to happen: it is/seems probable (that): · It seems probable that the election will be held in May.highly probable (=when something will almost certainly happen): · Unless the government agrees to further talks, a strike seems highly probable.probable cause: · The report states that the probable cause of death was a heart attack.probable cost/result/outcome etc: · The project will go ahead, at a probable cost of $2.1 million.
to be very likely: · The withdrawal of the allied forces is now a strong possibility.be a strong possibility (that): · There is a strong possibility that both the murders were committed by one man.be a strong possibility of: · The weather forecast says that there's a strong possibility of snow.
spoken say this when the present situation makes you think that something is likely to happen or likely to be true: · There aren't any taxis. It looks as if we'll have to walk.· Ted should be here by now. It looks like he's been delayed.it looks like being British: · From the agenda, it looks like being a long meeting.
if something may well happen or may well be true, it is fairly likely to happen or to be true: · Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.· That's only my opinion. I could well be wrong.· The eruption of Santorini in 1470 BC may well have been heard as far away as Britain.it may well be (that): · It could well be that it is too late for us to reverse the effects of global warming.something may well be the case: · "Apparently, interest rates could rise again next month." "Yes, that might well be the case."
British /be in the cards American use this to say that something is likely to happen because of the present situation: · They say that another recession is on the cards.· No one was surprised when they got a divorce. It had been on the cards for years.· I was hoping for a promotion, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards right now.
also I guess American spoken say this when you think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: I suppose (that): · There was no reply when I phoned - I suppose she's still at work.· I suppose that they'll do some sightseeing while they're here.· I guess Kathy will want to bring her boyfriend.I suppose so/I guess so (=use this to answer a question): · "Is Bill coming too?" "I suppose so."· "If you don't pass the test, will you take it again?" "I guess so."
British /I would think/guess American spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: · The garden's about 100 metres long, I would guess.I should think (that): · I should think she's about 24 or 25.· I would think that almost everyone could get here on a Saturday. I should/would think so: · "Will the match still go ahead?'' "Yes, I should think so.''
spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think that something is likely to happen or be true, especially something special or unusual: I wouldn't be surprised if: · You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to get married.I wouldn't be surprised to hear/see/find etc that: · I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she'd left that job by now.
to think you are better than other people if you look down on other people, you think you are better or more important then them: · He looks down on anyone who hasn't had a college education.
if it is beneath you to do something or to talk to someone, you think you are much too important to do it: · Do you think you could make the tea for once -- or is that beneath you!be beneath to do something: · She was surprised to learn that he didn't think it was beneath him to help around the house.
if you say that someone thinks they are too good for a particular kind of work or for a particular person, you mean they are too proud to do that kind of work or to spend time with that person: · I suppose you think you're too good for us now you've inherited a fortune.· So you think you're too good for training college?
too proud someone who is conceited or big-headed is too proud of their own achievements or abilities, in a way that annoys other people: · You're the most conceited, selfish person I've ever met!· I know this sounds big-headed, but I've always been good at French.
someone who is arrogant behaves as if their opinions are more important than other people's, and thinks that they are always right: · You are a rude and arrogant young man.· his arrogant disregard for other people's opinions
someone who is vain thinks they are very good-looking, special, or intelligent: · She's a vain girl who is always thinking about her figure.· I am vain enough to want to look good, but not to style my hair and paint my toenails.
quietly pleased with yourself in an unpleasant and annoying way, because you think you are in a better position than other people: · Lawson comes over as smug and arrogant, but in fact he's quite a decent man.· If you knew, which I'm sure you did judging from your smug expression, why didn't you tell me?smug about: · I felt very smug about not wasting paper.
someone who is self-satisfied thinks that they are very clever, very successful etc, often without good reason, and shows this in an annoying way: · Doyle's self-satisfied smile irritated Haworth.· He was in his early 40s and had the self-satisfied air of someone who has achieved fame and success.· What makes a second-rate actress like Jean so self-satisfied, so over-confident?
spoken to be always talking about your abilities and achievements and never show any interest in those of other people: · She's a good-looking woman, but too full of herself for my liking.· He was too full of himself to care about anyone else.
feeling unreasonably proud of yourself, especially because you think you have done something clever: · I had made a big profit on the deal and was feeling inordinately pleased with myself.· After deceiving us all like that, she went away, no doubt very pleased with herself.
also fancy yourself British spoken informal use this when you think someone is too proud of their abilities or appearance: · You think you're it, don't you? Well you're not!· Like most young professional footballers, he really fancied himself.
to start behaving as if you are very important as a result of something, for example a success or being praised by someone: · It's not surprising that young rock bands let success go to their heads.· I know you did well, but don't let it go to your head -- the hardest part's still to come.
British /too big for your britches American informal to start thinking you are more important than you really are, especially because you have been successful in something: · Bonaparte wasn't all that bad. He was just a soldier who got too big for his boots.
to remember someone or something from the past if you remember something that happened, something you did, or someone or something you used to know, the thought of them comes back into your mind: · Do you remember your first day at school?· Oh yes, I remember now. We met him at the last conference, didn't we?· You remember the way to the bathroom, don't you?· Yes, I remember Janine. She lived in that house on the corner, and she had a pet rabbit.remember who/what/where/how: · Can you remember what the man looked like?· I can't remember how the film ends. remember (that): · He remembered that he had felt just the same way when he first started working.remember doing something: · He remembered meeting her at a party once.· Older citizens remember eating soyabeans during the Depression.remember somebody doing something: · I don't remember him being that good at athletics in school.· He remembers Leonard coming home late at night, covered in blood.
especially spoken to think about something that happened in the past because you want to remember it: · She tried to think back and remember exactly what Jim had said.· Thinking back, I should have been more assertive.think back/look back to: · Think back to last year. Look how bad things were then.· When I think back to how it all started, I'm amazed.think back/look back on: · When I look back on those days, it always makes me sad.· When I think back on it now, I realize I expected too much from her.think back five years/two days etc (=try to remember what happened five years, two days etc ago): · I tried to think three years back. Where was it we had met?
to deliberately remember a particular fact, event, or situation from the past in order to tell someone about it, especially in a law court or other official situation: · David recalled an incident that took place in the family home some 12 years previously.· "I didn't like him very much," Kev recalled. "He was arrogant."· As a child, she recalled, her parents had seemed very happy together.recall what/how/when etc: · He didn't like to recall what a disaster his business venture had been.recall that: · I recall that on at least one occasion I saw him taking money from the office.recall doing something: · Howard sighed. He could not recall ever being this tired before.as I recall (=that is what I recall): · The meeting went very well, as I recall.
to be able to remember something, especially by deliberately trying to remember: · I recognize his face but I can't seem to recollect much about him.· "The lawyers distorted what I wanted to say," recollects Hansen grimly.· I can still recollect every detail of that meeting.recollect who/why/how etc: · Only later did she recollect where she'd seem him before.recollect that: · We have nine children, and I don't recollect that I ever felt the need to hit any of them.recollect doing something: · I do not recollect ever having been to Ohio, although my mother says we went there when I was a child.
to talk about pleasant events, people, experiences etc from the past, because you want to remember them or enjoy talking about them: · At club meetings, we like to reminisce, remembering old times.reminisce about: · I used to spend hours listening to my grandfather reminisce about life in the army.· Lazlo enjoyed reminiscing about his life in Poland before he went to America.
something that you remember from the past about a person, place, or experience: · This place holds lots of memories for us.· Now, his experiences were just a painful memory.· We had to write a story about our earliest memory (=the first event you can remember in your life).memory of: · I have lots of happy memories of my time in Japan.bring back memories (=makes someone think of a happy time in the past): · We're playing the old songs that I'm sure will bring back memories for you.
the slightly sad feeling you have when you remember happy things from the past: · There's a mood of nostalgia throughout the whole book.· a bittersweet film of nostalgia and innocencenostalgia for: · Reagan appealed to the average American's sense of nostalgia for a golden age.
to try very hard to remember something · You must try to remember what happened -- it's very important.· His name? Wait a minute. I'm trying to remember.try to remember who/what/how etc · I'm trying to remember how the theme tune goes.
to try to remember something by deliberately thinking about it a lot: think of: · You used to go out with the man from the bank, didn't you? I just can't think of his name.try to think: · "What did you do with the keys?" "Hang on, I'm just trying to think."think what/why/how etc: · I can't think where I put it.· Just let me think what the title was.think hard (=use this to emphasize that you try to remember something): · If she thought hard enough, she could just about remember what her mother looked like.think and think (=think for a long time): · He thought and thought but he couldn't remember.
if something comes back to you, you gradually start to remember it again after a lot of effort: · I can't think of the title at the moment, but it'll come back to me.· If you can remember all that, I'm sure the rest will come back to you.
British to try to remember something that happened a long time in the past: · Lisa, if you cast your mind back, I think you'll recall that it was your idea.cast your mind back to: · Henry cast his mind back to the fateful evening.cast your mind back over: · He frowned, casting his mind back over the conversation they had held.cast your mind back forty years/three days etc: · Cast your mind back a few weeks to the Athletics Championship in Armagh.
to try extremely hard to remember something that you find very difficult to remember: · Desperately, Irvin racked his brains, but there was nothing he could tell them.· She racked her brains, trying to remember what David had said.rack your brains for: · They sat in silence, racking their brains for the name of the road.
to say clearly what your opinion is · She usually says what she thinks even if it offends her political colleagues.say what you think about/of · I'll make a few suggestions, and the rest of you can say what you think about them.
to say what you think, even though what you say might upset or offend other people: · She's very direct and believes in speaking her mind.· We thought that the process of filming might stop people from speaking their minds.
to say publicly what you think about something important, especially in a situation where it can be discussed: · Every Friday there is a meeting at the factory where the workers can air their views and discuss problems.· For a long time citizens were denied the right to air their views fully or to hold public debates.
to be allowed to say what you think about something, for example in a meeting or among a group of people: · You've had your say -- now let someone else speak.have your say about: · At a public meeting yesterday, environmentalists were finally permitted to have their say about the future of the ancient forest.
to state, giving clear reasons, that something is true, should be done etc, although other people are disagreeing with you: argue that: · She argued that taxes must be increased to pay for public services.· Film makers themselves would no doubt argue that their films do not influence people's behaviour.argue for (=argue that something should be done): · He argued for changes to the tax system so that it assisted people who undertook training.argue against (=argue that something should not be done): · Senator Harvey argued strongly against taking any form of military action.
when you think that something will happen or is true because of the way something seems · Judging by Michael's expression I'd say he wasn't in a very good mood today.· She looks like a student, judging from the number of books she's carrying under her arm.· Going by the quality of the runners, I think this week's 800 metres final could produce a new Olympic record.
use this to say that something seems to be true because of the way someone or something looks or the way they do something: · It was clear from the way Dorothy spoke that she was worried about something.· From the way the body was lying, I'd say it was suicide.
use this when you want to say that someone is making a situation seem much more serious or important than it really is: · He's only cut his finger but you'd think he was bleeding to death, the amount of noise he's making.· Mary's spent at least three days cleaning up and preparing the meal -- anyone would think she was expecting royalty!
: from somebody's face/voice/clothes etc use this to say that because of the way someone's face etc looks or sounds, something seems to be true: · From his voice I'd say he was born somewhere in the North of England.· She looked from her clothes like some kind of high-powered executive.
selfish someone who is selfish only thinks about what they need or want, and never thinks about how other people feel or what other people want: · Amy, don't be selfish. Let the others have a turn.· Carter has never been a selfish player.· It's not that I'm selfish. I just don't loan out my tools anymore.· Sometimes it's all right to be a little selfish, and forget about everyone else for a change.
British /self-centered American paying so much attention to yourself that you do not notice what is happening to other people: · He was too self-centered to notice how unhappy Ruth was.· Jill's attractive and pleasant to talk to, but she's extremely self-centred.· Our whole society has become selfish and self-centered.
someone who is egocentric believes that what they do and think is much more important than what anyone else thinks or does: · Fox plays an egocentric movie star.· He was a man of undoubted genius, but bad-tempered, egocentric, and impossible to live with.· Older children are less egocentric than younger ones, and more willing to accept other people's ideas.
informal to be selfish, especially when you are making plans or arrangements: · Before I had children, I only thought about myself and what I wanted.· You never think about anyone but yourself - we needed that money!
informal to behave selfishly, especially in a situation where this is necessary because everyone else is doing the same: · I don't blame anyone for looking out for themselves, that's human nature.· In the 1980s, the message was clear -- look out for number one and give no thought to the rest of society.
to talk to yourself · I think he's going crazy - he talks to himself all the time.· Betty was talking to herself under her breath as she worked.
to say aloud what you are thinking, without meaning to talk to anyone else: · "I don't follow you." "That's OK. I'm just thinking out loud."· She began to think aloud as she always did when she was faced with a difficult problem.
what you say to someone when they thank you spoken · "Thanks for the lift!" "Oh, don't mention it!"
informal spoken · "Thank you so much for looking after the children." "That's all right. I enjoyed having them."
especially American, spoken · "Thanks a lot." "You're welcome!"
formal spoken · "It was very good of you to sing for us at such short notice." "My pleasure!"· "Thanks for dinner" "Not at all - I enjoyed it".
spoken say this when someone has thanked you a lot for something you have done because they think it was very difficult for you to do: · "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble, you know!" "Oh, think nothing of it."· "Thank you for all your help. I couldn't have done it without you." "Don't mention it. It was nothing."
informal spoken say this to show that what someone has thanked you for was really a very easy thing for you to do: · "Thank you for coming all the way out here." "No problem, lady."
American spoken used as a reply to someone who has thanked you for something: · "Thanks for the ride." "Sure, no problem."
to not understand · They didn't understand a single word she said.· Tell me if you don't understand.· She thought about getting a divorce, but she knew her children would never understand.· He made a few references to the CIA and national security, which Wilson did not understand.not understand why/how/what/where · I really can't understand why so many people like her music.
also can't makes heads or tails (out) of American informal to be unable to understand something at all because it is very complicated or confusing: · I just can't make head or tail of this train timetable.· I couldn't make head or tail of this book, and had real trouble finishing it.· Consumers can't always make heads or tails out of the way nutrition is labeled on a food package.
to be much too complicated or technical for someone to understand: · It was obvious from her expression that what I was saying was over her head.be way/completely over somebody's head: · I went to the lecture, but it was way over my head.
to be involved in a situation or activity which is too difficult for you to understand: · She was out of her depth in the advanced class, so they moved her to the intermediate class.be way/completely out of your depth: · I tried to read the report, but I was way out of my depth.
to still not understand something after someone has tried to explain it to you: · I've read the manual but I'm still none the wiser.leave somebody none the wiser: · His explanations of how it worked left me none the wiser.
spoken to not understand the reason for something: don't/can't see why/how/what/where: · I didn't see how they could sell it so cheaply.· I can't see why you think it's any of your business.
spoken say this when you cannot understand why something happens or how someone does something, and you find it very surprising: be a mystery to me/be beyond me/beats me how/what/why etc: · It's a mystery to me how he can get so much work done in such a short time.· Why anyone would willingly do that job is beyond me.it beats me/it's beyond me etc.: · "Why does she stay with her husband then?" "It beats me."
you say I can't think or I can't imagine how or why someone does something when you cannot think of any reasonable explanation why someone should do it, and are very surprised that they do: I can't think/can't imagine why/how etc: · He wants to join the army -- I can't think why.· How such a stupid man ever got to be a politician, I just can't imagine.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 2adverbs
Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought (=thinking about ideas). They tried to banish the memory from their minds. Careful consideration has been given to all applications. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. Churchill’s clarity of vision impressed all who knew him. It’s comforting to know I can call my parents any time. With this comforting thought, Harry fell asleep. We teach students to think critically about the texts they are reading. Most doctors think deeply about what their patients want. He dreaded the prospect of being all alone in that house. I dread to think what will happen if they get elected (=I think it will be very bad). He had thought long and hard before getting involved with the project. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I can’t help feeling that there has been a mistake. I couldn’t help thinking about the past. I’ve always thought very highly of Michael. the need for joined-up thinking between departments She thought longingly of returning to Paris. Harry just stood there, lost in thought. Don’t be misled into thinking that scientific research is easy. Take no thought for the morrow (=do not worry about the future). I don’t think much of that idea (=I do not think it is good). It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away. Vitamin C is popularly believed to prevent colds. They’re encouraged to think positively about themselves and their future. Robertson’s quick thinking had saved the little girl’s life. I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone. He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead. ‘Will I need my umbrella?’ ‘I don’t think so.’ If you want to go home, just say so. It was a sobering thought. It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. Plato draws all the strands of the argument together. a leading member of a Tory think tank I tremble to think what will happen when she finds out. It was the job of the committee to think the unthinkable (=plan for unexpected events or situations). I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· Think carefully about every spending decision you make.
(=with a lot of mental effort)· I bet, if you think really hard, you can think of something to do.
· I should have thought more deeply before I agreed.
· I thought seriously about my doctor’s advice.
· She was simply too tired to think clearly.
phrases (=hard, for a long time, before making a decision)· I thought long and hard about taking the role.
(=I do not want to think about something bad)· I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t found her.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought (=thinking about ideas). (=say the things you are thinking) ‘What did you say?’ ‘ Sorry, I was just thinking aloud.’
‘What did you say?’ ‘ Sorry, I was just thinking aloud.’· She couldn’t think of a suitable answer to his question.
They tried to banish the memory from their minds. Careful consideration has been given to all applications. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. Churchill’s clarity of vision impressed all who knew him. It’s comforting to know I can call my parents any time. With this comforting thought, Harry fell asleep. We teach students to think critically about the texts they are reading. (=used to tell someone you have thought of the thing they are suggesting, or have never thought of it)
Most doctors think deeply about what their patients want.· Was he lying? I tried to dismiss the thought.
He dreaded the prospect of being all alone in that house. I dread to think what will happen if they get elected (=I think it will be very bad).· I made up some excuse about my car breaking down.· We’d better think up an excuse, fast.
· Scientists have been unable to find an explanation for this phenomenon.
He had thought long and hard before getting involved with the project. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I can’t help feeling that there has been a mistake. I couldn’t help thinking about the past. I’ve always thought very highly of Michael. the need for joined-up thinking between departments She thought longingly of returning to Paris. Harry just stood there, lost in thought. (=believe that you are lucky in a particular situation)· You should count yourself lucky you weren’t seriously hurt.
Don’t be misled into thinking that scientific research is easy.· It would be a mistake to assume that all snakes are dangerous.
Take no thought for the morrow (=do not worry about the future). I don’t think much of that idea (=I do not think it is good). It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away.· 'Of course,' she replied, without pausing for thought.
Vitamin C is popularly believed to prevent colds.· Think positive thoughts.
· Many people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.
(=think positive thoughts)· Cheer up and think positive.
They’re encouraged to think positively about themselves and their future. Robertson’s quick thinking had saved the little girl’s life.· Babies were thought to be incapable of rational thought.
· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone.· I think I’m right in saying they once employed 2000 people.
He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead. ‘Will I need my umbrella?’ ‘I don’t think so.’ If you want to go home, just say so. It was a sobering thought. It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. Plato draws all the strands of the argument together. a leading member of a Tory think tank· The think tank has suggested some major reforms.
· The think tank have suggested some major reforms.
I tremble to think what will happen when she finds out. It was the job of the committee to think the unthinkable (=plan for unexpected events or situations). (=just an idea or suggestion)· The very idea of acting on stage scares the pants off me.
· I have to think of a way to make some money.
I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.· Think about what you owe, too, in terms of mortgages, credit cards, loans or hire purchase.· How about wearing apparel for the feet, or the things Napoleon thought about the day he died?· Mind, there was one night that I've often thought about.· You think about how you got here and all the work you put in.· Matilda had never once stopped to think about where Miss Honey might be living.· Well, buddy, censor those thoughts right now and start thinking about sleek, contemporary sportswear.· Hopeless, I walked towards the nearest town, which was further away than I cared to think about.· There are too many things to think about.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► I think I’ll ...► you would have thought (that)► do you think (that) ... ?► to think (that) ... !► that’s what you/they etc think!► think outside the boxPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► come to think of it/come to that► If I should die, think only this of me:/That there’s some corner of a foreign field/That is forever England► lie back and think of England► somebody can be forgiven for thinking/believing/feeling etc something► give something thought/attention/consideration etc► not give something a second thought/another thought► you can’t hear yourself think► hold that thought► not think/believe etc for one minute► it was nothing/think nothing of it► think that the world owes you a living► perish the thought!► not give something a second thought/without a second thought► mean the world to somebody/think the world of somebody► think the world owes you a living► think (that) the world revolves around you
- If you thought running a restaurant was easy, think again.
- All those who scoff at Ian Fleming's spy fantasies should think again.
- Deutsche once thought about bidding, thought not, and now has a last chance to think again.
- He told himself not to think about it, and then he was thinking again.
- If you thought advertising already was everywhere, permeating each pore of human existence, think again.
- Lois thought again about the poetry course over at the university she had hoped to enjoy in her latter years.
- Others received a tough lecture on the dangers and might just have learnt to think again.
- She thought again of the Leicester murders.
- Some practices were therefore thinking again about employing additional professionals out of budget surpluses.
- "Is Matthew still here?" "I think so -- I've just seen him".
- "Will Jenny be at the meeting?" "I would think so."
- I think he used to be an accountant.
- I think the dog must have eaten it.
- I think you're right.
- She'll be here about 9, I think.
- At first she kept passing out and she was sick. I thought oh no, she's gone on to a vegan diet.
- I always thought I would coach one day and I think I would be good at it.
- It must have been February by then, and for the next month or so I thought of little else but sabotage.
- It was totally unexpected in terms of age and experience then. I think people of 16 today are far mature.
- The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was wrong.
- There were two ways in which I thought the Reading Teacher would unknowingly but consistently reveal the existence of that line.
- To tell the truth, I think he's pretty lonely on account of his wife and that.
- When I think what I've done for that boy.
- I thought the dishwasher was broken, did you get it fixed?
- I thought we could go to the lake this weekend.
- He has to be held accountable, just like everyone else. I thought something was going to happen.
- I began throwing punches whenever I thought no one was looking.
- I had an extremely mature view about these proceedings. I thought that Victoria Lum was a super wupo.
- In fact, I thought living by a highway made me special.
- Now that I was alone I thought bitterly of the people I lived with.
- The drive is spectacular: gorges and tropical rain forests and waterfalls on every hand, but I thought only of Poppy.
- When the band became serious, I thought this is a far more contemporary and interesting way to make an artistic statement.
- "Will you have finished work by 6.30?'' "Oh yes, I should think so.''
- I should think Sarah and Greg will be going to the party.
- I would think that she would get tired of cleaning up the house every day.
- It'll be cooler down by the lake, I would think.
- I loathe this country, I would think, No, I love it.
- Male speaker I would think they'd like it two to three days old with a reasonable bounce.
- My head, I would agree with her. I would think she was right.
- No less than three hours, I would think, perhaps as many as five or six.
- Pretty heavily on fire, too, I would think.
- She would wear it for Chapel Anniversary, I would think, because that was a very special occasion in Baldersdale.
- This looks tough, I would think, and then immediately forget about it.
- Three reasons, I would think.
- But what do you think my parents would think if I were to become involved with you?
- Cleaving to the bosom of my grieving family? What do you think they're doing?
- If I have a son, I think I shall send him. What do you think?
- Lady: What do you think is the most important aspect of herself a woman should preserve as she grows older?
- Let's see how you rate in that area. What do you think we go in for, here in Perugia?
- Q: Speaking of which, what do you think of Frank Gifford?
- What do you think of your manager? What do you think of our personnel policies and how they're working?
- As to any woman being suitable for Ana's needs, I think not.
- Could I have been dreaming? I think not as four other unsolicited accounts verified my experience.
- Is there something about me that attracts sexually abused women? I think not.
- Perhaps he greets all ladies as he greeted me, but I think not.
- Reagan, tight-lipped, replied, I think not.
- So will closing these hospitals improve acute care? I think not.
- The last nagging question is would we be so obsessed with the Simpson case if Nicole were black? I think not.
- Unless they have been locked away for the past two years, I think not.
- But now, my dear fellows, let's just think about this a moment, shall we?
- I just think we can get it done.
- Just think of the businesses that take on people who are on the social.
- Just think of the economies of scale!
- Just think of those lemon groves outside my aunt's villa in Ravello.
- Just thinking about volunteer tutoring, little is known about the most basic of questions.
- Now he was trying to think of what he had just thought.
- But now that she came to think of it she had never been out to any sort of meal with John.
- Come to think of it, Columbia wouldn't have been around if it hadn't been for the blues.
- Come to think of it, even Hillary Rodham Clinton could learn something from Alexander about how to invest her money.
- Come to think of it, he'd seemed rather a decent chap, some one it might be worth getting to know.
- Come to think of it, they might want to hang on to those packing crates.
- So did Mom, come to think of it.
- You never know, come to think of it.
- Sorry, I wasn't thinking. Do you want a cup too?
- If they think it's going to be an easy game, they've got another think coming!
- But who would have thought that a humble human could do these calculations?
- That's the only bait I didn't have but, who would have thought that with ice about?
- The girl was carrying a latchkey; she let herself into the cabin. ... who would have thought of that?
- Yet who would have thought I would talk to myself in this way in these notes? he wrote.
- "Andy failed his driving test." "I thought as much when I saw his face."
- I must confess I felt a trifle guilty about your lonely watch: nothing to report? I thought as much.
- And marriage, I should have thought, is a false step you must have been well warned against.
- Any leader, I should have thought, would have demanded loyalty and support from a vice-president as a basic minimum.
- It's very important to me - and, I should have thought, to you too.
- She's a pretty child, but hardly his intellectual level, I should have thought.
- That is rather obvious, I should have thought.
- The royal crest is used on the front of the annual report, which I should have thought was improper.
- The scent of the tea as I poured it ... I should have thought.
- This seems an odd argument for smoking to me and, I should have thought, to smokers, too.
- She felt like slapping him in the face, but thought better of it.
- But he thought better of it and slowly breathed out the air through his nose.
- But then she thought better of it.
- Cowher said later he momentarily contemplated tackling Hudson, but thought better of it.
- He thought better of it, and despite a case of galloping homesickness, decided not to go home at all.
- He could have forced the window in time, anyone could, but he seemed suddenly to think better of it.
- He passed Miguel the joint but Miguel thought better of it.
- Then he thought better of it.
- He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials.
- He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events.
- He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you.
- I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it.
- She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes.
- The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it.
- They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them.
- When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it.
- He'd think nothing of checking up on a fellow's credentials.
- He thought nothing of playing in ten or eleven consecutive events.
- He would think nothing of walking up and hugging you.
- I thought nothing of it, just that whoever closed the house up had overlooked it.
- She just found it hard to be owned by customers; men especially thought nothing of appraising her through her clothes.
- The Human Piranha, a Harvard graduate, thought nothing of it.
- They have been in the middle of war and think nothing of hearing shooting all round them.
- When she was young enough to travel alone and think nothing of it.
- I didn't even think to ask about him about how Christal's doing.
- Air pollution was not thought to be responsible.
- But U.S. officials said the signs of a possible attack were not thought to be related to the Khobar indictment.
- Most of the damage to trees was not thought to be permanent.
- Police said cause had not been established but there were not thought to have been suspicious circumstances.
- Police said that although the explosion was not thought to have been an accident no one was being sought.
- These are productive thoughts, but we do not want to lead Della Guardia to evidence he has not thought to obtain.
- They naturally did not think to apply it to their own empires.
- We were told that we could not buy the camels because we had not thought to bring the right piece of paper.
- 'You're going to have to start thinking for yourself,' said David sternly.
- I try to encourage my students to think for themselves.
- Parents should encourage their children to think for themselves.
- The purpose of this question is to force students to think for themselves.
- And you learn about the real necessity of acting and thinking for yourself.
- Authority can be mistaken and it can cover up ignorance with prestige and prevent people from thinking for themselves.
- Characters have stopped thinking for themselves..
- He did not seem able to deal with anyone who wished to work from understanding, or able to think for himself.
- My aims include encouraging pupils to think for themselves and to choose their own methods of working.
- Tanya insists on moving in many circles and, above all, on thinking for herself.
- This problem is not discussed in the text; the purpose of this question is to force students to think for themselves.
- You have to think for yourself, David told him.
- Am I not to think aloud in your presence?
- At one juncture he found himself thinking aloud.
- He did not attempt to formulate his ideas in finished form; he thought aloud so one could hear the brain tick.
- She began to think aloud as she always did when I was with her.
- This often took place in the pub and involved thinking aloud.
- Through this method you stimulate the person to look at things afresh and to think aloud.
- What we have lived for is the dark when we think aloud to ourselves.
- He was so dazed by all he had just been through that he couldn't think straight.
- I - I can't think straight.
- One could never think straight when the body's ills took all one's attention.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- I don't think much of that new restaurant.
- He did not think much of the lectures.
- He does not think much of the Midwest, which he calls a backward, dumb but snobbish place.
- He does not think much of the students or professors either.
- Later I gathered she did not think much of my manners.
- Most of the women were college graduates, thought highly of Smith, and were pleased that this stranger was so smart.
- Sonya thinks the world of you.
- And I think the world of the mayor.
- Daddy thinks the world of Widick.
- He thinks the world of Cam.
- I used to think the world of her when she came to stay.
- Q My children think the world of their gerbil.
- She thinks the world of you, Herb.
- She thought the world of him.
- Vic thought the world of her.
- I could easily go in and request part-time work, and no one would think badly of me.
- Try not to think badly of me.
- Ellie's the type of person that always thinks the best of people.
- He thought the worst of Mitch and clearly thought that left to herself she would ring London at once.
- I was so ready to think the worst of him, she wailed inwardly.
- My immediate reaction, whether it be a man or a woman, is to think the worst of them.
- The prospect of Guy leaving, thinking the worst of her, was unbearable.
- Why should you think the worst of me?
- You always think the worst of me.
- I've often thought about starting my own business.
- By investing over $1.2 million, Levin and his partner are thinking big.
- A big man physically, he thought big.
- Do you need to think big or to pay a lot of attention to detail?
- He pressed on, thinking big, planning the largest electric furnace in the world.
- I always encouraged Alvin to think big.
- In an era of government downsizing, Texas is thinking big.
- It arose in the context of the thinking of people whose job it is to think big.
- Maybe he thinks big bad Deane will help if things get too rough!
- To trade in a heavyweight world market Britain must think big.
- Eva was jubilant, thinking, see how you limited yourself when you did not think positively.
- Failure to think positively means that negative thoughts have come into his mind.
- Forget about your feelings, think positively.
- However, rather than feeling gloomy about your lack of horseflesh try thinking positively about your situation.
- Learning to think positively and to look towards healthy outcomes can help considerably in any diet programme.
- One should always think positive, as the good doctor said.
- Take a deep breath and think positive thoughts.
- When things were going so bad for us in December, the one guy who made people think positive was Barry.
- He can think on his feet quicker than anyone I've ever met.
- I've always been good at thinking on my feet.
- Industry today needs workers who can think on their feet and relearn their jobs constantly.
- She clasped them and tried to think on her feet.
- She had to use a lot of initiative and think on her feet.
- Stay alert and think on your feet.
- Their ability to think on their feet impressed the boss.
- This will probably be to see if you can think on your feet and react well under stress.
- You must not be afraid of thinking on your feet and adding good ideas that occur to you as you speak.
- Conflicts long thought to be unsolvable are moving toward resolution.
- He needn't have feared, she thought to herself sadly.
- It's thought to be that of a man last seen in May after a fight in a pub.
- It was a good job I was a groom and didn't need to think to muck-out.
- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has declared its intention of buying up to 15 percent and is thought to be quietly picking up stock.
- Not surprisingly, some of these patients are thought to have food intolerance.
- Sam Fong experienced an odd sensation on seeing some one he had always thought to be his enemy.
- They are thought to introduce too many complications.
- A woman like her ... To hear him talk, anyone would think she was some kind of Jezebel on the make.
- Really, Tom, the way you're defending her, anyone would think I'd tortured the girl!
- The way he went on anyone would think we were engaged in an exact science.
- To hear you talk, anyone would think I was some kind of wanton, a man-stealer.
- Anyone thinking about having unprotected sex should think twice.
- I hope this latest attack will make people think twice about mindless violence towards ethnic minorities.
- The heavy penalties are designed to make people think twice before committing a crime.
- And if that is the case, they might think twice before giving you their money.
- I never thought twice about leaving Joliet.
- If they did, they would think twice before acceding to such inclinations.
- It made us think twice about striking out in new directions.
- Massa said the ruling will make hospitals think twice before breaking the law.
- No-one should think twice about blurting out the whole story.
- That was normal, I didn't think twice about it.
- These foods are potentially dangerous, yet nobody thinks twice before handing them out to their loved ones.
- No, they think only of themselves.
- Why am I thinking only of myself?
- He felt he ought now to be thinking of writing a book - but on what?
- He was thinking of settling in this land of freedom, he told me as I sat down opposite.
- I was thinking of a text illustrated with his photographs: a memorial.
- I was thinking of getting in touch.
- It was obvious to Celestine that he was thinking of something else.
- On the way back home he stopped off to look at a house he was thinking of buying.
- She was so embarrassed she said she was thinking of changing her last name.
- They were thinking of wives and little ones far away, and wondering if they would ever see them again.
- I could easily go in and request part-time work, and no one would think badly of me.
- Try not to think badly of me.
- The reaction I'll get when my parents find out doesn't even bear thinking about.
- Anthea and the professor had been deep in conversation with an eager group of ladies from Leicester, leaving Meryl momentarily alone.
- Clarence and the mayor were still deep in conversation.
- He was deep in conversation with the daughter of the house, a little girl of about twelve.
- The boy-him, he had to remind himself-looked deep in thought.
- The Count was deep in conversation with the mayor, who was staring down at his feet.
- He had entertained thoughts of marrying her and raising a family, but he entered the Society instead.
- Most significantly on my sense of a distant but still valid national identity-until then I had entertained hopes of return.
- The government has seen fit to start testing more nuclear weapons.
- Add details as you see fit.
- For example, the firm can implement its own quality and inspection policies and amend these as they see fit.
- He was their final court of appeal and punished them as he saw fit.
- If particular LEAs see fit to alter their priorities and redeploy funds from one area to another, that is their decision.
- Meg had - this gift; the Lord saw fit - no qualms, she stole the jacket.
- Once the states knew the message of the day, they could reinforce it as they saw fit.
- The public can use, abuse or change the software in any way they see fit.
- There were some girls that I thought fit Selena more physically.
- The study on poverty certainly offers food for thought to America's leaders.
- And there is plenty of food for thought.
- He never got past the words food for thought.
- Ian Wright also had food for thought as he made a hasty exit from Arsenal's demoralised dressing room.
- It's food for thought, though.
- Jeffcoate W.. Obesity is a disease: food for thought.
- Several interesting issues present some food for thought, however.
- That building provides us with food for thought.
- The lack of parcels and buses gave us all some food for thought of late.
- A bit of forward planning would have ensured a sum was put aside in the budget.
- A little bit of forward thinking years ago has put the Eagles in terrific position now.
- But he does want to stimulate constructive forward thinking.
- Findings relate to expenditure, degree of forward planning, objectives, workforce attitudes, management awareness and use of consultancies.
- His introduction to the art of place-kicking, however, was hardly a result of deep forward planning.
- In each of the schools, the library was clearly still high on the agenda for forward planning and review.
- It is at this point that proper forward planning and the use of the time log become of crucial importance.
- The message which emerges is clearly one of forward planning to avoid any undesirable over-involvement in management decisions.
- In any case, she had now got to thinking of other things.
- Then they got to thinking that maybe you were dead.
- There's blood in your body, and I get to thinking about what would happen if your blood froze.
- When you've been around guys like Mr. B. awhile, you get to thinking the way they think.
- A parting sniff as she left the room gave the gentleman to understand that he had disappointed her.
- But he had also given her time to think what she was doing.
- But the knotted tensions between people and groups of people give us plenty to think about.
- He would have given anything to believe that Isambard was lying.
- Ireland would be given something new to think about.
- It obviously gave him plenty to think about.
- She'd given more time to thinking about Lucy than anything else for months.
- Great visions are the signs of great minds and there were few greater visions than those of Newton and Einstein.
- Alas, there is no space to give a proper account of the thoughts of these great minds.
- Some of the confusion would certainly have been lessened if the two great minds had had opportunities to exchange ideas.
- That presents no danger if our great minds are in Paris or London or the United States.
- The excitement of the intellectual revolution produced some great minds and some important discoveries.
- And such habits of mind survive the passage of time.
- But a habit of mind, something much more important, will stay with young people.
- Has this become a habit of mind?
- If views are similar it's because habits of thought are the same.
- The care of the interior demands an obsessive habit of mind.
- These habits of thought and action enable a business or work group to take full credit for the triumphs it achieves.
- This was his habit of mind.
- What habits of thought could matter more?
- But take care of them, darling. I hate to think what we'd do if they had to be replaced.
- The candidates clearly did not want to speak ill of each other during the campaign.
- But she never speaks ill of anyone.
- He spoke ill of me to his friends.
- I know speaking ill of the dead and all that.
- Surely it is better to speak ill of the dead than of the living.
- The Newleys' acquaintances spoke well of the dead in order to think ill of the living.
- You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any body.
- After reading this book, you might be inclined to think so.
- Before then, we are inclined to believe only hip jazz musicians and self-destructive beat poets did dope.
- I am inclined to believe the police.
- Or did he, as some are inclined to think, actually invent it?
- Some conservative politicians were inclined to agree.
- Still, when he makes a statement such as you refer to, I would be inclined to believe him.
- We are inclined to think of connections between earlier and later events rather than connections between simultaneous events.
- You are inclined to agree with their judgement.
- You think you're it don't you? Well you're not!
- Anyway, I just thought I'd write to suggest that we meet up at some point.
- I just think an organization like this should be hearing how the board thinks.
- I just thought something that was see through maybe on that wall would.
- I get a headache just looking at a cookbook.
- I promised myself I was just looking.
- I will spend that day in a field of black smokers, just looking.
- Similarly, you should not just look at the eyes or ears when there may be a problem here.
- We just thought - obviously very stupidly - that you might be working on something together.
- I said well, let me think about it.
- These kids were by... gee, let me think.
- I'd like to believe that he's telling the truth.
- I'd like to think I know a little about airplanes.
- But I 'd like to think that gallantry isn't dead.
- Dad and I clashed more than I 'd like to think about.
- I 'd like to think Beardsley and Wright will get the nod and Graham doesn't get it wrong again.
- I 'd like to think that it does have some meaning.
- It is a novelty record in some respects, although I 'd like to think it's a lot deeper than that too.
- Perhaps it wasn't very subtle, but I 'd like to think it was funny.
- But little did he know at the time, how soon he'd need it.
- His hand had not wavered for a moment.
- His leader did not believe for one moment the protestations of innocence.
- I do not concede for a moment that this is a devolution measure.
- I would not suggest for one moment that they existed here.
- Neither team will half-step, not even for a moment.
- Archaeological analyses say as much about the interpreters as about the extinct cultures.
- Even the defense attorneys who went up against him said as much.
- He felt convinced that Aeneas was the son-in-law Faunus had predicted, and he said as much to the envoys.
- He said as much to Katherine on their second evening together.
- He said as much when he finally let things loose.
- Kennedy said as much in the summer of 1961, when he met Khrushchev in Vienna.
- The women stood in silence, glad of each other's presence and without the need to say as much.
- They will do and say as much as they dare, to get the client's money.
- As for an Iguana Air, I can only assume it's a tropical airline.
- Now if I can only think of their name.
- But he knew that people thought otherwise, and that their false impression was his own fault.
- But I wanted to have it on the record, in case any of you think otherwise.
- Donald thinks otherwise - and the upshot may be that he will sue.
- Many might seek to use the asylum route and, indeed, it would be naive to think otherwise.
- People think otherwise, surely, from politicians: more simply, about horror, fear, survival?
- The rich supposedly think otherwise -- and manage to pay very little.
- To say otherwise would be bitterness and we know better than to surrender.
- To think otherwise, it seems, is to reveal oneself as an ignoramus who does not know enough characters.
- High real estate prices have given potential buyers pause.
- But it gave you some pause to think of what else might be crawling around there.
- Even seemingly innocuous turnstile-exits with interlocking horizontal bars give my sister pause, however.
- It gave him pause, but soon enough he had his own retort.-Yeah, right.
- Knowing what Edmund has done to his real father might have given Cornwall pause before proclaiming himself the next one.
- The breadth of this holding gives one pause.
- Their sparring for position of least-favoured son gave me pause for thought.
- Yet the offer seems to have given Burton no pause.
- According to one school of thought, the disease is caused by a genetic defect.
- There are many schools of thought on how yoga should be taught.
- There are two schools of thought. One wants to control inflation, while the other is more interested in boosting employment.
- Basically, there were two schools of thought.
- Each school of thought has enjoyed constant internal debate about assumptions and methods.
- Indeed, one school of thought believed that the female brain was biologically different from that of the male.
- Inevitably this has meant some over-simplifying, stereotyping and exaggeration in the claims and counter-claims of the different schools of thought.
- There are two schools of thought concerning the application of syntactic knowledge.
- There are various schools of thought on how captions or short photo-stories should be affixed to photographs.
- Two schools of thought emerged during the summer of 1936.
- A more serious consideration to my mind is the continued quotation of Ingard shares on the Stock Exchange.
- Book publishing is another important aspect of the print media to which private organisations and the government should pay serious attention.
- But little serious thought has been given to this problem.
- Dangerous goods and perishable goods are two examples of operational specializations worth serious consideration.
- It does not mean that money has to rule, but it is a necessary and serious consideration.
- It was high time she got down to serious thought about her doctorate.
- The concept of interleague play in major league baseball is certainly intriguing, worthy of serious consideration.
- The fact is that I had already begun to give serious consideration to the possibility of doing away with Dennis Parsons.
- He said there might be one way, you know, I should think about it.
- I wouldn't mind. I should think he'd be very demanding.
- Interesting, I should think, with a name like Hamish.
- Look at my dad. I should think he's got half his lunch down his.
- Looking forward to getting back to your farm, I should think?
- Not for far, I should think - not if its nose has gone.
- Rather like seizure, I should imagine.
- I shudder to think what will happen to him now.
- I never know how carefully. I shudder to think.
- I regularly see them sent out alone on shopping errands. I shudder to think what might happen on their way home.
- Palestrina! I shudder to think what I should do when her next social invitation arrives in the letter box!
- We should spare a thought for those less fortunate.
- But spare a thought for Helen Williams.
- But whereas Errol struck it lucky, spare a thought for Instonian Neil Cooke.
- Let us take a moment this Advent to spare a thought for what the poorest of our world are waiting for.
- While all these contrivances give us the pleasure of moving water, we must spare a thought for the plants beneath.
- Whilst knitting your designs you might spare a thought for Giant Pandas now very much an endangered species.
- He always saw straight to the point of an argument.
- Metaphorically speaking, you could see straight through him to the other side of the room.
- On the outermost point of the peninsula we could see straight over to Midland Isle and just beyond that to Skomer Island.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- Black children from middle-class or affluent families, they say, are more apt to adopt what is commonly called black slang.
- But the president essentially endorsed Rumsfeld's approach, they said.
- Employers' groups welcomed the reforms, though they said more are necessary to encourage employers to take on permanent staff.
- Goodness only knows what makes them tick, or why they thought they could get away with it here.
- I thanked them for praying for me and seeing me now, hoped they thought their efforts worthwhile.
- Light a match, they say, and flames flicker over it like brandy on a Christmas pudding.
- She asked them why; they said it was because they had information that the two children had been sexually abused.
- These others stand on something they said.
- But new-wave sanitation experts say sewerage offers little more than convenience when compared to well thought-out latrines.
- Each section is well thought-out and presented with a good number of diagrams and chromatograms.
- It is here that the value of well thought-out objectives can be seen.
- The system is a well thought-out one and seems to work well.
- Problem Too many phone calls breaking my train of thought.
- Some one called out, breaking his train of thought.
- The first task attempted will be to trace the train of thought in this unit.
- The kettle began to whistle, breaking into her train of thought.
- These are discussed with a clarity which enables the reader to fully identify with the author's train of thought.
- Tracing the train of thought in 6: 12-20 is the task at hand.
- Tunes pulled at the hems of her train of thought.
- Uncle Brian always thought well of you.
- Ensure they speak well of us rather than denigrate us to their friends.
- If they did this particularly well, analysts were thought well of by their bosses.
- Instead, we were awkward and seething-which didn't encourage scouts, barbers or anyone to speak well of us.
- It was important to him to know this, because he wanted her to think well of him.
- She speaks well of you, and I am uneasy.
- The Newleys' acquaintances spoke well of the dead in order to think ill of the living.
- Why was it so important to her whether I thought well of her or not?
- And she always did whatever she wanted, which was mostly enjoy herself and ignore her homework.
- Dare they call her bluff and just let her get on with whatever she thought she could do to inconvenience them?
- Eurydice said her daughter could do whatever she wanted to do.
- I eat whatever I want and run three miles a day.
- I know that I had no intention of stopping the procedure, whatever anyone said or did to influence me.
- In my stupidity-or whatever you want to call it-I tried to move around to his left.
- The hon. Gentleman can make whatever he wants of it, but it will still not save his seat.
- You think you should get whatever you want right away.
- And that, I would say, is what we, in our own religious rites, had best be doing too.
- Dominic remains, I would say, a preposterously beautiful creature.
- Elizabeth: I would say about 185 pounds.
- Is there a chance Chrysler might buy Fiat? I would think there's essentially zero chance of that happening.
- Perhaps it is more a matter for philosophers than scientists, but I would say not.
- Pretty heavily on fire, too, I would think.
- That is a prime question, I would say, of this hour in the bringing up of children.
- This looks tough, I would think, and then immediately forget about it.
WORD FAMILYnounthinkrethinkthinkerthinkingthe unthinkableadjectivethinkable ≠ unthinkablethinking ≠ unthinkingverbthinkrethinkadverbunthinkingly
1opinion/belief [transitive] to have a particular opinion or to believe that something is truethink (that) I think that you’re being unfair. I thought I heard something. He didn’t think anyone would believe him. Do you think I should call him? For some reason, I keep thinking it’s Friday today. The recession lasted longer than anyone thought it would. Am I right in thinking that you have a brother? I can’t help thinking that he’s made a mistake. Do you honestly think I would do something so stupid?what do you think of/about somebody/something? (=used to ask someone for their opinion) What do you think of your new school?think it necessary/possible/best etc (=believe it is necessary, possible etc) I thought it best to call first. I thought it appropriate to invite her to speak at the meeting. We must start thinking in terms of reducing costs.be thought to be (doing) something (=be believed to be (doing) something) Fraud is thought to be costing software companies millions of dollars a year.2use your mind [intransitive, transitive] to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc: She thought very carefully before answering. Wait a minute – I’m thinking.think about/of She lay awake thinking about the money.think what/how/when etc I can’t think what else we could have done.think (long and) hard (=think for a long time) She thought very hard before deciding to leave her job. Holmes sat thinking deeply (=thinking in a serious and careful way).I dread/shudder/hate to think (=I do not want to think about something because it will be unpleasant) I dread to think how much this call is going to cost.3have an idea [transitive] to have words or ideas in your mind without telling them to anyone: ‘How strange!’ he thought. ‘I don’t care!’ she thought to herself. It was impossible to know what he was thinking.think what/how/when etc I was just thinking what a lovely time we had yesterday.4remember [transitive] to remember somethingthink where/what etc He was trying to think where he’d seen her before. I couldn’t think where I’d left my keys.5consider somebody/something [intransitive, transitive] to consider that someone or something is a particular thing or has a particular qualitythink of somebody/something as something Peter had always thought of Kate as someone to be avoided. I want you to think of this as your home.think of yourself as something I’ve always thought of myself as a sensible person.think somebody (to be) something My parents never thought me capable of doing a degree. We have good reason to think kindly of (=consider in an approving way) a school that has provided all our children with an excellent education.6think of/about doing something to consider the possibility of doing something: I had never thought of becoming an actor. We did think about moving to Tokyo. Don’t even think about calling him (=used to tell someone strongly not to do something).7think twice to think very carefully before deciding to do something, because you know about the dangers or problems: A visible alarm makes burglars think twice.think about A previous divorce can make you think twice about getting married again.think twice before doing something/before you do something I’d think twice before taking out such a large loan.8think again to think carefully about a plan, decision, idea etc, especially with the result that you change your mind or do something differently: If you think car crime can’t happen to you, think again.think about Universities may be forced to think again about the courses they provide.SPOKEN PHRASES9I think used when you are saying that you believe something is true, although you are not sure: Mary is in the garden, I think. I don’t think Ray will mind. ‘Do you understand what I mean?’ ‘Yes, I think so.’ ‘Haven’t we met before?’ ‘I don’t think so.’ I thought he was honest, but I was wrong.10I think I’ll ... used to say what you will probably do: I think I’ll go to bed early tonight.11I thought (that) used when you are politely suggesting something to do: I thought we’d go swimming tomorrow. I thought we could meet for lunch.12 I would think (also I would have thought, I should think/I should have thought British English) used when you are saying that you believe something is probably true: We’ll need about 10 bottles of wine, I should think. I would have thought it would be better to wait a while.13you would have thought (that) (also you would think (that)) used to say that you expect something to be true, although it is not: You would have thought the school would do more to help a child like Craig.14do you think (that) ... ? a)used when you are asking someone politely to do something for you: Do you think you could help me move these boxes? b)used to ask someone’s opinion: Do you think I need to bring a jacket?15 who/what etc do you think? a)used to ask someone’s opinion: Who do you think will win? b)used when asking someone angrily about something: Where do you think you’re going?16I think not formal used to say that you strongly believe something is not true or that you disagree with someone: This could be a coincidence, but I think not.17(just) think used to ask someone to imagine or consider something: Just think – we could be millionaires!think of It would be lovely, but think of the expense!just think what/how etc Just think what could have happened.18(now I) come to think of it used to mention something you have just realized or remembered: ‘Were there any letters for me?’ ‘Yes there were, come to think of it.’19I wasn’t thinking (also I didn’t think) used as a way of saying you are sorry because you have upset someone: Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I wasn’t thinking.20to think (that) ... ! used to show that you are very surprised about something: To think we lived next door to him and never knew what he was doing!21if you think ... , you’ve got another think coming! used to tell someone that if they think someone is going to do something, they are wrong: If you think I’m going to wait for you, you’ve got another think coming!22that’s what you/they etc think! used to say that you strongly disagree with someone23who would have thought? used to say that something is very surprising: Who would have thought she’d end up dancing for a living?24I thought as much used to say that you are not surprised by something someone tells you: ‘Andy failed his driving test.’ ‘I thought as much when I saw his face.’25I should have thought ... British English used as a polite or joking way of showing that you disagree with what someone has said or think it is silly: ‘Why isn’t it working?’ ‘I should have thought it was obvious.’26think better of it to not do something that you had planned to do, because you realize that it is not a good idea: He started to say something, then thought better of it.27think nothing of doing something to think that a particular activity is normal or easy, even though other people think it is unusual or difficult: He thinks nothing of staying up all night in casinos.28think nothing of something to think that something is not important and then realize later that it is important: I had a pain in my back but thought nothing of it at the time.29not think to do something to not consider doing something, especially when you later wish you had done it: I didn’t think to question the treatment I was given. I never thought to ask him for his address.30think for yourself to have ideas and thoughts of your own rather than believing what other people say: Parents have to teach their children to think for themselves.31think aloud (also think out loud) to say what you are thinking, without talking to anyone in particular: Oh, sorry. I was thinking aloud.32think straight [usually in negatives] to think clearly: I’m so nervous I can’t think straight. How can I think straight with you talking all the time?33not think much of somebody/something to not like someone or something very much: I didn’t think much of his new girlfriend.34think highly of somebody/something (also think a lot of somebody/something) to admire or respect someone or something: Your boss must think highly of you if she gives you so much responsibility.35think the world of somebody informal to like or love someone very much: The children think the world of her.36think badly of somebody (also think less of somebody) formal to disapprove of someone or what they have done: Please don’t think badly of me.think for Do you think less of me for agreeing to do it?37think the best/worst of somebody to consider someone’s behaviour in a way that makes them seem as good as possible or as bad as possible: He’s determined to think the worst of me.38think big informal to plan to do things that are difficult, but will be very impressive, make a lot of profit etc: The company is thinking big.39think outside the box to think of new, different, or unusual ways of doing something, especially in business40think positive/positively to believe that you are going to be successful or that good things are going to happen: You have to think positive if you’re going to be successful in this game.41think on your feet to think of ideas and make decisions very quickly: In this job you need to be able to think on your feet.42think to do something literary to try to do something: They had thought to deceive me.43anyone would think (that) used to say that someone behaves as if a particular thing were true, although it is not: Anyone would think he owns the place, the way he talks! → can’t hear yourself think at hear(12)GRAMMAR: Patterns with think• You think that something is true: · I think that she is a great writer.• You think that something will happen: · Do you think the weather will be fine tomorrow?• You think that someone can do something: · I don’t think that he can come to the meeting.• You think that someone should do something, or ought to do something: · Do you think that the government should increase taxes?· I think that he ought to be ashamed of himself.• You think that something could be true or might be true:· I think that the keys might be upstairs.• You think that something could happen or might happen: · Some people think there could be another world economic crisis.• In negative sentences, you say I don’t think: · I don’t think that’s right.· I don’t think he liked it. ✗Don’t say: I think that isn’t right. | | I think he didn’t like it.• You can use the phrases I think so or I don’t think so, usually to give a short answer: · 'Is his name John?' 'I think so.'· 'Are we late?' 'I don’t think so.' ✗Don’t say: I think it.GRAMMARUsing the progressive• When think means ‘believe’, it is not normally used in the progressive. You say: · I think you look nice. ✗Don’t say: I am thinking you look nice.• In spoken English, people sometimes say I’m thinking to describe their present thoughts about something that is happening right now: · I’m thinking we should leave.Using the passiveIn more formal English, you can say it is thought that something is true: · It is thought that as many as a billion people are learning English.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2adverbscarefully· Think carefully about every spending decision you make.hard (=with a lot of mental effort)· I bet, if you think really hard, you can think of something to do.deeply· I should have thought more deeply before I agreed.seriously· I thought seriously about my doctor’s advice.clearly· She was simply too tired to think clearly.phraseslong and hard (=hard, for a long time, before making a decision)· I thought long and hard about taking the role.I dread/hate/shudder to think (=I do not want to think about something bad)· I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t found her.THESAURUSto have a particular opinionthink: · I think you’re right.· She didn’t think that the film was very good.believe to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about an important subject such as politics or religion: · The protestors believe that it is wrong to experiment on animals.· Do you really believe that the only solution to violence is more violence?feel to have a particular opinion, especially one that is based on your feelings, not on facts: · She feels that there is no alternative.· I just felt that it was the right thing to do.take the view that formal to have a particular opinion: · The court took the view that the company had acted unreasonably.· The college takes the view that smoking in the workplace is a fire risk.to think about somethingthink to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc: · I’ve been thinking about what you said – maybe you’re right.· I need some time to think.consider to think about something carefully before deciding what to do: · Have you considered working for a year before going to college?weigh (also weigh up British English) to carefully think about a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved: · You need to weigh up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages), and decide which investment is the best one for you.· The committee are still weighing the alternatives.give something some/a lot of thought to think carefully about something, before you make a final decision about it: · Why don’t you give it some thought and then get back to me?· He had obviously given the matter a lot of thought.mull something over to think about a problem, plan etc before making a decision: · Can you give me a bit of time to mull it over?ponder to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about something, especially a problem or something complicated: · She is still pondering what to do.· Officials are pondering ways to remove the oil from the beaches.contemplate to think about something you might do in the future: · Did you ever contemplate resigning?reflect formal to think carefully about something, especially something that happened in the past: · It was a good time to reflect upon the changes that had happened in my life.to keep thinking about somethingbrood to keep thinking for a long time about something that worries you or that makes you angry or upset: · There’s no point brooding over things you can’t change.dwell on something to spend too much time thinking about something sad or unpleasant: · I try to enjoy my life today and not dwell on the past.think back phrasal verb to think about things that happened in the past: Thinking back, it amazes me how we survived on so little sleep.think back to/over/on He thought back to the day he’d first met Sophie.think of somebody/something phrasal verb1to produce an idea, name, suggestion etc by thinking: They’re still trying to think of a name for the baby. Can you think of any other way to do it?2to remember something: I can’t think of the name of the hotel we stayed in.3to behave in a way that shows that you want to treat other people well: It was very good of you to think of me. He’s always thinking of other people.4think only of yourself to only do things that are good for you and not think about what other people want – used to show disapproval: She’s a spoiled child who thinks only of herself.5be thinking of somebody used to say that you care about and feel sympathy for someone who is in a difficult situation: Take care! I’ll be thinking of you.think something ↔ out phrasal verb to think about all the parts of something carefully before deciding or planning exactly what to do: He went for a walk to think things out. The proposal needs to be carefully thought out.think out what/how/whether etc She had thought out what she was going to say.think something ↔ over phrasal verb to consider something carefully before making a decision: I’ve been thinking over your suggestion. Why don’t you think it over and give me a call in a couple of days? I want some more time to think things over.think something ↔ through phrasal verb to think carefully about the possible results of something: The policy has not been thought through properly. It’s my fault. I didn’t think it through. I need time to think things through.think through what/how People need time to think through what the changes will mean for them.think something ↔ up phrasal verb to produce a new idea, name etc by thinking: She was trying to think up an excuse. Did you think that up yourself? Who thinks up names for new products?think1 verbthink2 noun
thinkthink2 noun COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought (=thinking about ideas). They tried to banish the memory from their minds. Careful consideration has been given to all applications. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. Churchill’s clarity of vision impressed all who knew him. It’s comforting to know I can call my parents any time. With this comforting thought, Harry fell asleep. We teach students to think critically about the texts they are reading. Most doctors think deeply about what their patients want. He dreaded the prospect of being all alone in that house. I dread to think what will happen if they get elected (=I think it will be very bad). He had thought long and hard before getting involved with the project. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I can’t help feeling that there has been a mistake. I couldn’t help thinking about the past. I’ve always thought very highly of Michael. the need for joined-up thinking between departments She thought longingly of returning to Paris. Harry just stood there, lost in thought. Don’t be misled into thinking that scientific research is easy. Take no thought for the morrow (=do not worry about the future). I don’t think much of that idea (=I do not think it is good). It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away. Vitamin C is popularly believed to prevent colds. They’re encouraged to think positively about themselves and their future. Robertson’s quick thinking had saved the little girl’s life. I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone. He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead. ‘Will I need my umbrella?’ ‘I don’t think so.’ If you want to go home, just say so. It was a sobering thought. It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. Plato draws all the strands of the argument together. a leading member of a Tory think tank I tremble to think what will happen when she finds out. It was the job of the committee to think the unthinkable (=plan for unexpected events or situations). I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.
Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought (=thinking about ideas). (=say the things you are thinking) ‘What did you say?’ ‘ Sorry, I was just thinking aloud.’
‘What did you say?’ ‘ Sorry, I was just thinking aloud.’· She couldn’t think of a suitable answer to his question.
They tried to banish the memory from their minds. Careful consideration has been given to all applications. You need to think very carefully about which course you want to do. Churchill’s clarity of vision impressed all who knew him. It’s comforting to know I can call my parents any time. With this comforting thought, Harry fell asleep. We teach students to think critically about the texts they are reading. (=used to tell someone you have thought of the thing they are suggesting, or have never thought of it)
Most doctors think deeply about what their patients want.· Was he lying? I tried to dismiss the thought.
He dreaded the prospect of being all alone in that house. I dread to think what will happen if they get elected (=I think it will be very bad).· I made up some excuse about my car breaking down.· We’d better think up an excuse, fast.
· Scientists have been unable to find an explanation for this phenomenon.
He had thought long and hard before getting involved with the project. We were just having a look around. Are you going to have a swim? I can’t help feeling that there has been a mistake. I couldn’t help thinking about the past. I’ve always thought very highly of Michael. the need for joined-up thinking between departments She thought longingly of returning to Paris. Harry just stood there, lost in thought. (=believe that you are lucky in a particular situation)· You should count yourself lucky you weren’t seriously hurt.
Don’t be misled into thinking that scientific research is easy.· It would be a mistake to assume that all snakes are dangerous.
Take no thought for the morrow (=do not worry about the future). I don’t think much of that idea (=I do not think it is good). It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away.· 'Of course,' she replied, without pausing for thought.
Vitamin C is popularly believed to prevent colds.· Think positive thoughts.
· Many people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.
(=think positive thoughts)· Cheer up and think positive.
They’re encouraged to think positively about themselves and their future. Robertson’s quick thinking had saved the little girl’s life.· Babies were thought to be incapable of rational thought.
· I see no reason why it shouldn’t work.· I can’t think of any reason why she would want to leave.
I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone.· I think I’m right in saying they once employed 2000 people.
He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead. ‘Will I need my umbrella?’ ‘I don’t think so.’ If you want to go home, just say so. It was a sobering thought. It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. Plato draws all the strands of the argument together. a leading member of a Tory think tank· The think tank has suggested some major reforms.
· The think tank have suggested some major reforms.
I tremble to think what will happen when she finds out. It was the job of the committee to think the unthinkable (=plan for unexpected events or situations). (=just an idea or suggestion)· The very idea of acting on stage scares the pants off me.
· I have to think of a way to make some money.
I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► come to think of it/come to that► If I should die, think only this of me:/That there’s some corner of a foreign field/That is forever England► lie back and think of England► somebody can be forgiven for thinking/believing/feeling etc something► give something thought/attention/consideration etc► not give something a second thought/another thought► you can’t hear yourself think► hold that thought► not think/believe etc for one minute► it was nothing/think nothing of it► think that the world owes you a living► perish the thought!► not give something a second thought/without a second thought► mean the world to somebody/think the world of somebody► think the world owes you a living► think (that) the world revolves around you
- Amelia, absorbed with her projects, must have thought it a momentary phenomenon.
- Consensus like this means people have thought about this issue.
- His features were regular, rather ordinary, though some might well have thought him handsome.
- Maybe somebody should have thought to ask the whale.
- Only a sentimental, middle-class idiot would have thought of it.
- This in turn enables Janssen's customers to start production or synthesis sooner than they might have thought possible.
- Was that a thing anyone would have thought?
- You'd have thought that re-creating it on stage would have the same effect on a modern-day director.
- I could easily go in and request part-time work, and no one would think badly of me.
- Try not to think badly of me.
- The reaction I'll get when my parents find out doesn't even bear thinking about.
- Anthea and the professor had been deep in conversation with an eager group of ladies from Leicester, leaving Meryl momentarily alone.
- Clarence and the mayor were still deep in conversation.
- He was deep in conversation with the daughter of the house, a little girl of about twelve.
- The boy-him, he had to remind himself-looked deep in thought.
- The Count was deep in conversation with the mayor, who was staring down at his feet.
- He had entertained thoughts of marrying her and raising a family, but he entered the Society instead.
- Most significantly on my sense of a distant but still valid national identity-until then I had entertained hopes of return.
- The government has seen fit to start testing more nuclear weapons.
- Add details as you see fit.
- For example, the firm can implement its own quality and inspection policies and amend these as they see fit.
- He was their final court of appeal and punished them as he saw fit.
- If particular LEAs see fit to alter their priorities and redeploy funds from one area to another, that is their decision.
- Meg had - this gift; the Lord saw fit - no qualms, she stole the jacket.
- Once the states knew the message of the day, they could reinforce it as they saw fit.
- The public can use, abuse or change the software in any way they see fit.
- There were some girls that I thought fit Selena more physically.
- The study on poverty certainly offers food for thought to America's leaders.
- And there is plenty of food for thought.
- He never got past the words food for thought.
- Ian Wright also had food for thought as he made a hasty exit from Arsenal's demoralised dressing room.
- It's food for thought, though.
- Jeffcoate W.. Obesity is a disease: food for thought.
- Several interesting issues present some food for thought, however.
- That building provides us with food for thought.
- The lack of parcels and buses gave us all some food for thought of late.
- A bit of forward planning would have ensured a sum was put aside in the budget.
- A little bit of forward thinking years ago has put the Eagles in terrific position now.
- But he does want to stimulate constructive forward thinking.
- Findings relate to expenditure, degree of forward planning, objectives, workforce attitudes, management awareness and use of consultancies.
- His introduction to the art of place-kicking, however, was hardly a result of deep forward planning.
- In each of the schools, the library was clearly still high on the agenda for forward planning and review.
- It is at this point that proper forward planning and the use of the time log become of crucial importance.
- The message which emerges is clearly one of forward planning to avoid any undesirable over-involvement in management decisions.
- In any case, she had now got to thinking of other things.
- Then they got to thinking that maybe you were dead.
- There's blood in your body, and I get to thinking about what would happen if your blood froze.
- When you've been around guys like Mr. B. awhile, you get to thinking the way they think.
- A parting sniff as she left the room gave the gentleman to understand that he had disappointed her.
- But he had also given her time to think what she was doing.
- But the knotted tensions between people and groups of people give us plenty to think about.
- He would have given anything to believe that Isambard was lying.
- Ireland would be given something new to think about.
- It obviously gave him plenty to think about.
- She'd given more time to thinking about Lucy than anything else for months.
- Great visions are the signs of great minds and there were few greater visions than those of Newton and Einstein.
- Alas, there is no space to give a proper account of the thoughts of these great minds.
- Some of the confusion would certainly have been lessened if the two great minds had had opportunities to exchange ideas.
- That presents no danger if our great minds are in Paris or London or the United States.
- The excitement of the intellectual revolution produced some great minds and some important discoveries.
- And such habits of mind survive the passage of time.
- But a habit of mind, something much more important, will stay with young people.
- Has this become a habit of mind?
- If views are similar it's because habits of thought are the same.
- The care of the interior demands an obsessive habit of mind.
- These habits of thought and action enable a business or work group to take full credit for the triumphs it achieves.
- This was his habit of mind.
- What habits of thought could matter more?
- But take care of them, darling. I hate to think what we'd do if they had to be replaced.
- The candidates clearly did not want to speak ill of each other during the campaign.
- But she never speaks ill of anyone.
- He spoke ill of me to his friends.
- I know speaking ill of the dead and all that.
- Surely it is better to speak ill of the dead than of the living.
- The Newleys' acquaintances spoke well of the dead in order to think ill of the living.
- You wish to think all the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of any body.
- After reading this book, you might be inclined to think so.
- Before then, we are inclined to believe only hip jazz musicians and self-destructive beat poets did dope.
- I am inclined to believe the police.
- Or did he, as some are inclined to think, actually invent it?
- Some conservative politicians were inclined to agree.
- Still, when he makes a statement such as you refer to, I would be inclined to believe him.
- We are inclined to think of connections between earlier and later events rather than connections between simultaneous events.
- You are inclined to agree with their judgement.
- You think you're it don't you? Well you're not!
- Anyway, I just thought I'd write to suggest that we meet up at some point.
- I just think an organization like this should be hearing how the board thinks.
- I just thought something that was see through maybe on that wall would.
- I get a headache just looking at a cookbook.
- I promised myself I was just looking.
- I will spend that day in a field of black smokers, just looking.
- Similarly, you should not just look at the eyes or ears when there may be a problem here.
- We just thought - obviously very stupidly - that you might be working on something together.
- I said well, let me think about it.
- These kids were by... gee, let me think.
- I'd like to believe that he's telling the truth.
- I'd like to think I know a little about airplanes.
- But I 'd like to think that gallantry isn't dead.
- Dad and I clashed more than I 'd like to think about.
- I 'd like to think Beardsley and Wright will get the nod and Graham doesn't get it wrong again.
- I 'd like to think that it does have some meaning.
- It is a novelty record in some respects, although I 'd like to think it's a lot deeper than that too.
- Perhaps it wasn't very subtle, but I 'd like to think it was funny.
- But little did he know at the time, how soon he'd need it.
- His hand had not wavered for a moment.
- His leader did not believe for one moment the protestations of innocence.
- I do not concede for a moment that this is a devolution measure.
- I would not suggest for one moment that they existed here.
- Neither team will half-step, not even for a moment.
- Archaeological analyses say as much about the interpreters as about the extinct cultures.
- Even the defense attorneys who went up against him said as much.
- He felt convinced that Aeneas was the son-in-law Faunus had predicted, and he said as much to the envoys.
- He said as much to Katherine on their second evening together.
- He said as much when he finally let things loose.
- Kennedy said as much in the summer of 1961, when he met Khrushchev in Vienna.
- The women stood in silence, glad of each other's presence and without the need to say as much.
- They will do and say as much as they dare, to get the client's money.
- As for an Iguana Air, I can only assume it's a tropical airline.
- Now if I can only think of their name.
- But he knew that people thought otherwise, and that their false impression was his own fault.
- But I wanted to have it on the record, in case any of you think otherwise.
- Donald thinks otherwise - and the upshot may be that he will sue.
- Many might seek to use the asylum route and, indeed, it would be naive to think otherwise.
- People think otherwise, surely, from politicians: more simply, about horror, fear, survival?
- The rich supposedly think otherwise -- and manage to pay very little.
- To say otherwise would be bitterness and we know better than to surrender.
- To think otherwise, it seems, is to reveal oneself as an ignoramus who does not know enough characters.
- High real estate prices have given potential buyers pause.
- But it gave you some pause to think of what else might be crawling around there.
- Even seemingly innocuous turnstile-exits with interlocking horizontal bars give my sister pause, however.
- It gave him pause, but soon enough he had his own retort.-Yeah, right.
- Knowing what Edmund has done to his real father might have given Cornwall pause before proclaiming himself the next one.
- The breadth of this holding gives one pause.
- Their sparring for position of least-favoured son gave me pause for thought.
- Yet the offer seems to have given Burton no pause.
- According to one school of thought, the disease is caused by a genetic defect.
- There are many schools of thought on how yoga should be taught.
- There are two schools of thought. One wants to control inflation, while the other is more interested in boosting employment.
- Basically, there were two schools of thought.
- Each school of thought has enjoyed constant internal debate about assumptions and methods.
- Indeed, one school of thought believed that the female brain was biologically different from that of the male.
- Inevitably this has meant some over-simplifying, stereotyping and exaggeration in the claims and counter-claims of the different schools of thought.
- There are two schools of thought concerning the application of syntactic knowledge.
- There are various schools of thought on how captions or short photo-stories should be affixed to photographs.
- Two schools of thought emerged during the summer of 1936.
- A more serious consideration to my mind is the continued quotation of Ingard shares on the Stock Exchange.
- Book publishing is another important aspect of the print media to which private organisations and the government should pay serious attention.
- But little serious thought has been given to this problem.
- Dangerous goods and perishable goods are two examples of operational specializations worth serious consideration.
- It does not mean that money has to rule, but it is a necessary and serious consideration.
- It was high time she got down to serious thought about her doctorate.
- The concept of interleague play in major league baseball is certainly intriguing, worthy of serious consideration.
- The fact is that I had already begun to give serious consideration to the possibility of doing away with Dennis Parsons.
- He said there might be one way, you know, I should think about it.
- I wouldn't mind. I should think he'd be very demanding.
- Interesting, I should think, with a name like Hamish.
- Look at my dad. I should think he's got half his lunch down his.
- Looking forward to getting back to your farm, I should think?
- Not for far, I should think - not if its nose has gone.
- Rather like seizure, I should imagine.
- I shudder to think what will happen to him now.
- I never know how carefully. I shudder to think.
- I regularly see them sent out alone on shopping errands. I shudder to think what might happen on their way home.
- Palestrina! I shudder to think what I should do when her next social invitation arrives in the letter box!
- We should spare a thought for those less fortunate.
- But spare a thought for Helen Williams.
- But whereas Errol struck it lucky, spare a thought for Instonian Neil Cooke.
- Let us take a moment this Advent to spare a thought for what the poorest of our world are waiting for.
- While all these contrivances give us the pleasure of moving water, we must spare a thought for the plants beneath.
- Whilst knitting your designs you might spare a thought for Giant Pandas now very much an endangered species.
- He always saw straight to the point of an argument.
- Metaphorically speaking, you could see straight through him to the other side of the room.
- On the outermost point of the peninsula we could see straight over to Midland Isle and just beyond that to Skomer Island.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- Black children from middle-class or affluent families, they say, are more apt to adopt what is commonly called black slang.
- But the president essentially endorsed Rumsfeld's approach, they said.
- Employers' groups welcomed the reforms, though they said more are necessary to encourage employers to take on permanent staff.
- Goodness only knows what makes them tick, or why they thought they could get away with it here.
- I thanked them for praying for me and seeing me now, hoped they thought their efforts worthwhile.
- Light a match, they say, and flames flicker over it like brandy on a Christmas pudding.
- She asked them why; they said it was because they had information that the two children had been sexually abused.
- These others stand on something they said.
- But new-wave sanitation experts say sewerage offers little more than convenience when compared to well thought-out latrines.
- Each section is well thought-out and presented with a good number of diagrams and chromatograms.
- It is here that the value of well thought-out objectives can be seen.
- The system is a well thought-out one and seems to work well.
- Problem Too many phone calls breaking my train of thought.
- Some one called out, breaking his train of thought.
- The first task attempted will be to trace the train of thought in this unit.
- The kettle began to whistle, breaking into her train of thought.
- These are discussed with a clarity which enables the reader to fully identify with the author's train of thought.
- Tracing the train of thought in 6: 12-20 is the task at hand.
- Tunes pulled at the hems of her train of thought.
- Uncle Brian always thought well of you.
- Ensure they speak well of us rather than denigrate us to their friends.
- If they did this particularly well, analysts were thought well of by their bosses.
- Instead, we were awkward and seething-which didn't encourage scouts, barbers or anyone to speak well of us.
- It was important to him to know this, because he wanted her to think well of him.
- She speaks well of you, and I am uneasy.
- The Newleys' acquaintances spoke well of the dead in order to think ill of the living.
- Why was it so important to her whether I thought well of her or not?
- And she always did whatever she wanted, which was mostly enjoy herself and ignore her homework.
- Dare they call her bluff and just let her get on with whatever she thought she could do to inconvenience them?
- Eurydice said her daughter could do whatever she wanted to do.
- I eat whatever I want and run three miles a day.
- I know that I had no intention of stopping the procedure, whatever anyone said or did to influence me.
- In my stupidity-or whatever you want to call it-I tried to move around to his left.
- The hon. Gentleman can make whatever he wants of it, but it will still not save his seat.
- You think you should get whatever you want right away.
- And that, I would say, is what we, in our own religious rites, had best be doing too.
- Dominic remains, I would say, a preposterously beautiful creature.
- Elizabeth: I would say about 185 pounds.
- Is there a chance Chrysler might buy Fiat? I would think there's essentially zero chance of that happening.
- Perhaps it is more a matter for philosophers than scientists, but I would say not.
- Pretty heavily on fire, too, I would think.
- That is a prime question, I would say, of this hour in the bringing up of children.
- This looks tough, I would think, and then immediately forget about it.
WORD FAMILYnounthinkrethinkthinkerthinkingthe unthinkableadjectivethinkable ≠ unthinkablethinking ≠ unthinkingverbthinkrethinkadverbunthinkingly
have a think British English to think about a problem or question: I’ll have a think and let you know.- scot-free
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