SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

the idea

noun

Definition of the idea

: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention

The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.

The idea is to get people to attend.

Word by Word Definitions

idea play

: a transcendent entity that is a real pattern of which existing things are imperfect representations
: a standard of perfection : ideal
: a plan for action : design

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WORD OF THE DAY

sacrosanct

play

immune from criticism or violation

Words at Play

Noun + Verb Insult Generator

A collection of obscure put-downs

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A judgment call

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'Deprived' vs. 'Depraved'

Nobody wants to be either.

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'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

Tag the way you want to tag.

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Ghost Word

The story of an imaginary word that managed to sneak past our editors and enter the dictionary.

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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