thought
/θɔːt/ (bre, ipa) · /θɑːt/ (ame, ipa) · /θɔːt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈthȯt/ (ame, mw)
thought — verb
- thoughtpresent simple I / you / we / they
- thoughts3rd person singular
- thoughting-ing form
- thoughtedpast simple
1. Serves as the past simple form and the past participle of the verb "think" — use
Serves as the past simple form and the past participle of the verb "think" — used when someone used their mind to have an idea, form an opinion, or consider something at a time before now.
Mizuki thought the homework was too hard, so she asked the teacher for help.
past simple for a past opinion or belief
The doctor had thought of a different treatment before the test results arrived.
past participle with had to form past perfect
Ryan thought the train would arrive before six, but a signal problem delayed it for an hour.
Nobody had thought to bring a first-aid kit on the hike until Arjun twisted his ankle on a root.
The heavy box was thought to contain kitchen supplies, but it was full of old photographs instead.
文法句型
thought + noun phrase
had thought + that-clause
was thought + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Unlike many English verbs, "thought" is identical in both the simple past and the past participle form. In the simple past it stands alone ("I thought you were away"). As a past participle it needs an auxiliary — "have/had" for perfect tenses ("She had thought about it") or "be" for passive voice ("It was thought impossible").
常見錯誤
thought — noun
- thoughtsingular
- thoughtsplural
1. A piece of mental content — such as an idea, belief, image, or plan — that enter
A piece of mental content — such as an idea, belief, image, or plan — that enters your head; also the general action of thinking rather than any specific item.
The thought of flying alone for the first time made Tuan's stomach feel full of butterflies.
the thought of + gerund for specific mental content
Quinn had a sudden thought during the meeting that everyone in the room was wearing blue.
have a thought + that-clause for realisation or idea
Sven sat quietly for an hour, lost in thought about the best way to fix the old bicycle chain.
Harper gave some thought to the job offer before calling the manager to accept it.
文法句型
have a thought
the thought of + noun/gerund
thought + that-clause
give thought to
用法筆記
This sense can be countable (a single idea: "I had a thought") or uncountable (the activity: "She sat deep in thought"). The uncountable use often appears in fixed phrases like "lost in thought" or "deep in thought." Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers to specific mental content, whereas sense 2 is about the capacity itself.
常見錯誤
2. The mental power or capacity that allows people to reason, understand, create id
The mental power or capacity that allows people to reason, understand, create ideas, imagine possibilities, and work through problems logically or creatively.
Modern psychology has changed the way researchers understand human thought and memory.
human thought — uncountable faculty sense
The philosopher argued that animals are also capable of thought, not just instinct.
capable of thought — ability to reason
Élise believes that learning a second language strengthens the power of thought itself.
The ability to engage in abstract thought develops slowly as children move through their school years.
文法句型
human thought
the power of thought
capable of thought
用法筆記
Always uncountable in this sense. You cannot say "a thought" to mean the faculty of reasoning. The sense is often modified by adjectives such as "human," "abstract," "critical," or "rational." Distinguish from sense 1 (individual mental content) and sense 3 (organised systems of ideas from a group or period).
3. The body of ideas, beliefs, and intellectual principles that characterise a part
The body of ideas, beliefs, and intellectual principles that characterise a particular group of people, historical period, or field of study — such as the political ideas of a movement or the scientific views of an era.
Marxist thought influenced labour movements and social policies across the twentieth century.
proper-noun + thought for ideological system
The course covers the development of scientific thought from ancient Greece to the present day.
scientific thought — organised body of ideas in a field
Obi's research focuses on the differences between Eastern and Western philosophical thought.
Jack's essay examines the influence of Enlightenment thought on modern democratic systems.
- ideology
A more specific term referring to a system of political or economic beliefs; often suggests a rigid framework.
- philosophy
A system of thought about the nature of existence and knowledge; broader and more formal than 'thought'.
- doctrine
A set of beliefs formally taught or held, often in religion or politics; more prescriptive.
文法句型
[field] + thought
school of thought
the thought of [period/group]
用法筆記
Usually modified by a domain or group ("scientific thought," "feminist thought," "modern thought"). It can overlap with sense 2 when discussing "human thought" in a historical context, but sense 3 emphasises shared cultural or intellectual systems rather than individual mental capacity.
4. A feeling of sympathetic concern or kind attention toward another person's feeli
A feeling of sympathetic concern or kind attention toward another person's feelings, needs, or difficult situation — shown through considerate actions or words.
Yael showed great thought for her elderly neighbour by bringing her warm soup every week.
show thought for — considerate action toward someone
The divorce was hard on the children, and nobody seemed to have any thought for their feelings.
have any thought for — concern (often in negative)
Beatriz sent a small gift as a kind thought for the family who had hosted her during the summer.
A good host shows thought for guests by asking about their food allergies in advance.
- consideration
Nearly identical but slightly more formal; 'thought' feels warmer and more personal.
- concern
Often implies worry or anxiety; 'thought' emphasises kind attention rather than worry.
- regard
More formal; often used in phrases like 'with regard to' rather than as a direct synonym.
- thoughtlessness
Lack of consideration for others.
- indifference
Complete lack of interest or concern.
文法句型
[no/some] thought for [someone]
show thought for
give thought to [someone's needs]
用法筆記
Commonly appears in negative or critical contexts: "no thought for others," "without a thought for the consequences." The positive form can sound slightly formal ("show thought for"). Distinguish from sense 1: here the focus is on consideration for people, not on ideas about a topic.