- (n.) A general notion or a conception formed by generalization.
- (n.) The transcript, image or picture of a visible object, that is formed by the mind; also, a similar image of any object whatever, whether sensible or spiritual.
- (n.) A belief, option or doctrine; a characteristic or controlling principle; as, an essential idea; the idea of development.
- (n.) A plan or purpose of action; intention; design.
- (n.) A rational conception; the complete conception of an object when thought of in all its essential elements or constituents; the necessary metaphysical or constituent attributes and relations, when conceived in the abstract.
- (n.) Hence: Any object apprehended, conceived or thought of, by the mind; a notion, conception or thought; the real object that is conceived or thought of.
- (n.) A fiction object or picture created by the imagination; the same when proposed as a pattern to be copied or a standard to be reached; one of the archetypes or patterns of created things, conceived by the Platonists to have excited objectively from eternity in the mind of the Deity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). idea. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/idea/definitions/2018703 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "idea" http://smartdefine.org/idea/definitions/2018703 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, idea, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/idea/definitions/2018703>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "idea" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/idea/definitions/2018703> |