HOW TO PRONOUNCE
idea
/aɪ̯ˈdi.ə/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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Let the second syllable carry the main stress.
Stress DEE after the opening eye sound. A light vowel may follow the stressed vowel.
TRY SAYING
“An idea worth discussing.”
APG practice sentence · CC BY-SA 4.0
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗What does idea mean?
noun
- An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
- An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
- More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
More meanings (7)
noun
- A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
- A purposeful aim or goal; intent.
- A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.
- A musical theme or melodic subject.
- (obsolete) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
- (obsolete) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.
proper noun
- Acronym of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/aɪ̯ˈdi.ə/
Pronunciation used in the listening tip.
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
There is an idea, which is not without its advocates, that a vigorous Executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government.
On somewhat suddenly awaking after a sleep of whose length he had no idea, Oak found that the waggon was in motion.
More book examples (3)
While we were discussing birds, Terry asked them if they used feathers for their hats, and they seemed amused at the idea.
I had an idea of going to Leatherhead, though I knew that there I had the poorest chance of finding my wife.
Just now, and here, she wanted some one who had never been tired, who could catch an idea and run with it.