What does think mean?
Think is a highly versatile English verb describing the activity of using the mind to consider an idea, understand a situation, or form a view. It can express an opinion, as in “I think this is the better choice,” or indicate a plan, as in “I think we should leave now.” In some contexts it means to imagine or suppose, while “think of” can refer to remembering something. The word is equally natural in everyday conversation and formal writing, although repeated use of phrases such as “I think” may sound hesitant in careful argument. Its many related meanings make it especially useful for describing both mental activity and judgment. Think can also carry a broader sense of considering consequences or examining a problem closely, making it a central verb in discussions of reasoning, decision-making, and opinion. Its simple present and past forms, “thinks” and “thought,” are among the most familiar patterns in English.
verbTo use one's mind to consider, understand, or form an opinion about something. Depending on the context, it can also mean to believe, intend, imagine, or remember.
- To use one's mind to consider, understand, or reach a conclusion about something.
- To hold an opinion or belief about something.
- To intend or plan to do something.
- To imagine or suppose something to be the case.
- To remember or call something to mind.
"She paused to think about what the letter might mean."
"I think the new policy will be difficult to implement."
"Think of a time when a small decision changed the entire outcome."
The word think comes from Old English þencan, which could mean not only “consider” but also “seem” or “appear,” so the familiar phrase “I think” originally conveyed “it appears to me.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does think come from?
The word descends from Old English þencan, which could mean to think, conceive, suppose, or seem. It is related to Proto-Germanic *þankijaną and has cognates in modern German denken, Dutch denken, Swedish tänka, and Old Norse þekkja. The verb's broad range of meanings developed gradually from its older associations with conception, appearance, and opinion.
Related word forms
How think is actually used
The verb is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal contexts. “Think of” can introduce a recollection as well as a consideration, while “think about” usually means to reflect or consider something. In informal conversation, “I think” often serves as a polite way to introduce an opinion or tentative conclusion.
Easily confused with think
Thinking is the process of considering an idea or question, whereas believing is accepting it as true, although think can also mean believe in some contexts.