think
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++think1 /θɪŋk/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle thought /θɔːt $ θɒːt/) 1 opinion/belief 观点/信念 [transitive]THINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT to have a particular opinion or to believe that something is true 想，认为，以为think (that) I think that you’re being unfair. 我认为你这么做不公平。 I thought I heard something. 我觉得我听到了什么声音。 He didn’t think anyone would believe him. 他觉得没人会相信他。 Do you think I should call him? 你认为我应该打电话给他吗？ For some reason, I keep thinking it’s Friday today. 不知为什么，我总觉得今天是周五。 The recession lasted longer than anyone thought it would. 谁也没有想到这次经济萧条会持续这么久。 Am I right in thinking that you have a brother? 我想你是有个兄弟的，对吗？ I can’t help thinking that he’s made a mistake. 我总觉得他弄错了。 Do you honestly think I would do something so stupid? 你真认为我会做这么愚蠢的事吗？what do you think of/about somebody/sth? (=used to ask someone for their opinion) 你认为某人/某事如何？ What do you think of your new school? 你认为你的新学校如何？think it necessary/possible/best etc (=believe it is necessary, possible etc) 认为有必要/有可能/最好等 I thought it best to call first. 我认为最好还是先打个电话。 I thought it appropriate to invite her to speak at the meeting. 我认为应当邀请她在会上发言。 We must start thinking in terms of reducing costs. 我们必须开始考虑降低成本了。be thought to be (doing) something (=be believed to be (doing) something) 据认为是（在做）某事 Fraud is thought to be costing software companies millions of dollars a year. 据认为欺诈行为每年使软件公司损失数百万美元。2 use your mind 动脑筋 [intransitive, transitive]THINK ABOUT to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc 想，思考，思索 She thought very carefully before answering. 回答前她仔细斟酌了一番。 Wait a minute – I’m thinking. 等一下，我正在想。think about/of She lay awake thinking about the money. 她醒着，躺在那儿心里盘算着那笔钱。think what/how/when etc I can’t think what else we could have done. 我想不出我们当时还能做些什么。think (long and) hard (=think for a long time) 仔细考虑 She thought very hard before deciding to leave her job. 她仔细考虑后才决定辞职。 Holmes sat thinking deeply (=thinking in a serious and careful way). 福尔摩斯坐着，陷入沉思。I dread/shudder/hate to think (=I do not want to think about something because it will be unpleasant) 我不敢/害怕/不愿去想 I dread to think how much this call is going to cost. 我不敢去想这通电话要花多少钱。3 have an idea 有一个想法 [transitive]THINK something/HAVE A THOUGHT to have words or ideas in your mind without telling them to anyone 想，想道4 remember 记忆 [transitive] to remember something 回想；记得，想起5 consider SB/STH 考虑某人/某事 [intransitive, transitive] to consider that someone or something is a particular thing or has a particular quality 认为（是），以为（是），觉得（是）6 think of/about doing something THINK ABOUTto consider the possibility of doing something 考虑做某事的可能性7 think twice CAREFULto think very carefully before deciding to do something, because you know about the dangers or problems 〔在决定做某事之前〕再三考虑，慎重考虑8 think again THINK ABOUTto think carefully about a plan, decision, idea etc, especially with the result that you change your mind or do something differently 再想想，重新考虑 SPOKEN PHRASES26 think better of it CHANGE YOUR MINDto not do something that you had planned to do, because you realize that it is not a good idea 认为还是不做的好，想想又改变主意27 think nothing of doing something EASYto think that a particular activity is normal or easy, even though other people think it is unusual or difficult 认为做某事不算什么28 think nothing of something to think that something is not important and then realize later that it is important 把某事不当回事〔尤指后来意识到它的重要性〕29 not think to do something to not consider doing something, especially when you later wish you had done it 没有想到做某事〔尤指后来希望做过〕30 think for yourself INDEPENDENT PERSONto have ideas and thoughts of your own rather than believing what other people say 有自己的思想，独立思考31 think aloud (also think out loud)SAY/STATE to say what you are thinking, without talking to anyone in particular 自言自语32 think straight [usually in negatives] to think clearly 思路清晰33 not think much of somebody/something DON'T LIKEto not like someone or something very much 认为某人/某事不好34 think highly of somebody/something (also think a lot of somebody/something)ADMIRE to admire or respect someone or something 对某人/某事评价很高，欣赏某人/某事35 think the world of somebody informalLOVE to like or love someone very much 非常喜爱某人36 think badly of somebody (also think less of somebody) formalDISAPPROVE to disapprove of someone or what they have done 对某人有不好的看法37 think the best/worst of somebody APPROVEto consider someone’s behaviour in a way that makes them seem as good as possible or as bad as possible 把某人往最好里想/最坏里想38 think big informalPLAN to plan to do things that are difficult, but will be very impressive, make a lot of profit etc 打算大干一番，胸怀大志39. think outside the box to think of new, different, or unusual ways of doing something, especially in business 〔尤指商业中〕不拘一格地思考，跳出框框思考40 think positive/positively to believe that you are going to be successful or that good things are going to happen 有乐观的想法，有自信的想法41 think on your feet PREPAREto think of ideas and make decisions very quickly 思路敏捷，反应迅速42 think to do something literaryTRY TO DO OR GET something to try to do something 设法做某事43 anyone would think (that) UNTRUEused to say that someone behaves as if a particular thing were true, although it is not 谁都会以为… → can’t hear yourself think at hear(12)n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etcadverbscarefullyThink carefully about every spending decision you make.hard (=with a lot of mental effort)I bet, if you think really hard, you can think of something to do.deeplyI should have thought more deeply before I agreed.seriouslyI thought seriously about my doctor’s advice.clearlyShe was simply too tired to think clearly.phraseslong and hard (=hard, for a long time, before making a decision)I thought long and hard about taking the role.I dread/hate/shudder to think (=I do not want to think about something bad)I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t found her. THESAURUSto have a particular opinion 有某种想法think 想，认为I think you’re right. 我想你是对的。She didn’t think that the film was very good. 她不认为这部影片很好看。believe to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about an important subject such as politics or religion 相信；信仰The protestors believe that it is wrong to experiment on animals. 抗议者相信，用动物做实验是不对的。Do you really believe that the only solution to violence is more violence? 你真的相信对付暴力唯一的方法是以暴制暴吗？feel to have a particular opinion, especially one that is based on your feelings, not on facts 觉得She feels that there is no alternative. 她感到别无选择。I just felt that it was the right thing to do. 我只是觉得应该那样做。take the view that formal to have a particular opinion 认为The court took the view that the company had acted unreasonably. 法庭认为该公司的行为不合理。The college takes the view that smoking in the workplace is a fire risk. 那家学会认为，在工作场所吸烟属火灾隐患。to think about something 思考某事think to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc 想，认为 想，思考I’ve been thinking about what you said – maybe you’re right. 我一直在斟酌你的话——也许你是对的！I need some time to think. 我需要一段时间思考。consider to think about something carefully before deciding what to do 考虑Have you considered working for a year before going to college? 你有没有考虑过先工作一年再上大学？weigh (also weigh up British English) to carefully think about a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved 权衡You need to weigh up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages), and decide which investment is the best one for you. 你需要比较一下优缺点，决定哪种投资最适合你。The committee are still weighing the alternatives. 委员会仍在权衡各种方案。give something some/a lot of thought to think carefully about something, before you make a final decision about it 考虑某事物Why don’t you give it some thought and then get back to me? 你先考虑一下，然后给我个回音如何？He had obviously given the matter a lot of thought. 他显然已再三考虑过此事。mull something over to think about a problem, plan etc before making a decision 考虑Can you give me a bit of time to mull it over? 给我一点时间考虑好吗？ponder to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about something, especially a problem or something complicated 思索She is still pondering what to do. 她仍在考虑该怎么办。Officials are pondering ways to remove the oil from the beaches. 官员们在考虑去除海滩油污的方法。contemplate to think about something you might do in the future 思考；打算Did you ever contemplate resigning? 你考虑过辞职吗？reflect formal to think carefully about something, especially something that happened in the past 深思；反省It was a good time to reflect upon the changes that had happened in my life. 这个时候正好可以反省一下我生活中发生的种种变化。to keep thinking about something 一直思考某事brood to keep thinking for a long time about something that worries you or that makes you angry or upset 念念不忘〔令人担忧或不愉快的事〕There’s no point brooding over things you can’t change. 对自己无法改变的事，想也没用。dwell on something to spend too much time thinking about something sad or unpleasant 对某事〔指令人伤心或不愉快的事〕不能释怀I try to enjoy my life today and not dwell on the past. 我尽量去享受今天的生活，而不沉溺于过去。n GRAMMAR: Patterns with think• You think that something is true: I think that she is a great writer.• You think that something will happen: Do you think the weather will be fine tomorrow?• You think that someone can do something: I don’t think that he can come to the meeting.• You think that someone should do something, or ought to do something: Do you think that the government should increase taxes?I think that he ought to be ashamed of himself. • You think that something could be true or might be true: I think that the keys might be upstairs. • You think that something could happen or might happen: Some people think there could be another world economic crisis.• In negative sentences, you say I don’t think: I don’t think that’s right.I don’t think he liked it. ✗Don’t say: I think that isn’t right. | I think he didn’t like it.• You can use the phrases I think so or I don’t think so, usually to give a short answer: 'Is his name John?' 'I think so.''Are we late?' 'I don’t think so.' ✗Don’t say: I think it.n GrammarUsing the progressive• When think means ‘believe’, it is not normally used in the progressive. You say: I think you look nice. ✗Don’t say: I am thinking you look nice.• In spoken English, people sometimes say I’m thinking to describe their present thoughts about something that is happening right now: I’m thinking we should leave.Using the passiveIn more formal English, you can say it is thought that something is true: It is thought that as many as a billion people are learning English. PHRASAL VERBS→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
think• "He looks upset, " Camilla thought.• "What did you do with the keys?" "Hang on, I'm just trying to think."• Be quiet, I'm thinking.• Give me time to think.• I've been thinking about how to tell Marcia the bad news.• "What are you going to do with your day off?" "I don't know - I haven't really thought about it yet."• They would rather just cheer loudly for the athlete and not think about the politics.• He thought and thought but he couldn't remember.• It's a difficult question. Think carefully before you answer.• If she thought hard enough, she could just about remember what her mother looked like.• I never thought her business would be so successful.• I don't think I do.• I think I'll go and see what's happening out there.• She thinks I'm crazy to leave my job.• I thought it would make a nice little plug for Mortensen and Brannigan.• I've just thought of a really good idea.• Has she thought of any names for the baby?• I have been thinking of killing a few people.• "Did you ask Rita?" "No, I didn't think of that."• I thought of the contents of the suitcase and decided that there was something in what he said.• In their relationship to their government they think of themselves as neither powerless nor, what is more important, alone.• As I stripped off the wet suit, I thought over our situation.• The builders said the job would be finished tomorrow, but I don't think that's likely.• Do you think they'll come to the party?• Meg, who thought things ought to be done properly, invited Alan's parents round for tea, just before Christmas.• I thought we had a good meeting yesterday.• Just let me think what the title was.• I can't think where I put it.be thought to be (doing) something• Because work is still considered a male role, leisure, similarly, is thought to be a male preserve.• House raids: A team of burglars is thought to be operating in the Chester Road area of Hartlepool.• Of those, 1,049 are thought to be HIV-positive.• The origin of the ancestral wild boar is thought to be the Crimea.• The sudden onset of severe weather conditions was thought to be a frequent result of disturbance to a site.• This was thought to be the cause of the blaze.• Thus, when pain is seen to arise within the counselling process, counselling is thought to be the cause.• Until recently the Antikythera mechanism was thought to be the sole surviving example of mathematical gearing in the Hellenistic tradition.I dread/shudder/hate to think• I never know how carefully. I shudder to think.• What we will do next Season I dread to think.• What will happen when you publish on Sundays as well, I dread to think.• This can be one of the many characteristics of toxoplasmosis. I hated to think of Jasper being as I had been.• Palestrina! I shudder to think what I should do when her next social invitation arrives in the letter box!• I regularly see them sent out alone on shopping errands. I shudder to think what might happen on their way home.• But without Debbie's determination and your article, I dread to think what might have happened.• But take care of them, darling. I hate to think what we'd do if they had to be replaced.think what/how/when etc• I wouldn't let myself think how I had hoped to marry Nour and the happiness I had anticipated.• They sat in the private bar at the Gates looking down into their glasses, trying to think what it should be.• No doubt there was an answer to that, too, but he couldn't think what it was.• She dreaded to think what sort of state her face must be in.• Maybe he's thinking how to explain it, I thought.• He was thinking how unconscious she seemed now to be of the awkwardness of their encounter.• I thought when we pushed it we played a lot better.• Watching that fair, contemptuous face he thought how well he knew the type from his own school.think where/what etc• She came to visit Streatlam to look at the horses and I thought what a very handsome woman she was.• For one moment she thought what fun it would be with them all.• He couldn't think where he had gone wrong.• Polly could not begin to think what he meant.• I stopped for a second and tried to think what my conclusive proof was.• I can not think what the Riding, but not only the Riding, will be without him.• Tried not to think what they were treading on.• I hate to think what we'd do if they had to be replaced.think kindly of• She would, he declared, think kindly of him for what he had said.think2 noun 1 have a think British EnglishTHINK ABOUT to think about a problem or question 想一想，想一下 I’ll have a think and let you know. 我要想一想再告诉你。Origin think Old English thencanthink1 verb →10-19 →20-26
→n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1
→SPOKEN PHRASES1 →PHRASAL VERBS1think2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
→n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1
→SPOKEN PHRASES1 →PHRASAL VERBS1think2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
to believe or to have Corpus particular opinion a
think
think1 S1 W1 /θɪŋk/ 
verb (past tense and past participle thought /θɔːt $ θɒːt/)
think (that)
I think that you’re being unfair.
I thought I heard something.
He didn’t think anyone would believe him.
Do you think I should call him?
For some reason, I keep thinking it’s Friday today.
The recession lasted longer than anyone thought it would.
Am I right in thinking that you have a brother?
I can’t help thinking that he’s made a mistake.
Do you honestly think I would do something so stupid?
what do you think of/about somebody/something? (=used to ask someone for their opinion)
What do you think of your new school?
think it necessary/possible/best etc (=believe it is necessary, possible etc)
I thought it best to call first.
I thought it appropriate to invite her to speak at the meeting.
We must start thinking in terms of reducing costs.
be thought to be (doing) something (=be believed to be (doing) something)
Fraud is thought to be costing software companies millions of dollars a year.
2. USE YOUR MIND [intransitive and transitive] to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc:
She thought very carefully before answering.
Wait a minute – I’m thinking.
think about/of
She lay awake thinking about the money.
think what/how/when etc
I can’t think what else we could have done.
think (long and) hard (=think for a long time)
She thought very hard before deciding to leave her job.
Holmes sat thinking deeply (=thinking in a serious and careful way).
I dread/shudder/hate to think (=I do not want to think about something because it will be unpleasant)
I dread to think how much this call is going to cost.
3. HAVE AN IDEA [transitive] to have words or ideas in your mind without telling them to anyone:
‘How strange__’ he thought.
‘I don’t care__’ she thought to herself.
It was impossible to know what he was thinking.
think what/how/when etc
I was just thinking what a lovely time we had yesterday.
4. REMEMBER [transitive] to remember something
think where/what etc
He was trying to think where he’d seen her before.
I couldn’t think where I’d left my keys.
5. CONSIDER SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to consider that someone or something is a particular thing or has a particular quality
think of somebody/something as something
Peter had always thought of Kate as someone to be avoided.
I want you to think of this as your home.
think of yourself as something
I’ve always thought of myself as a sensible person.
think somebody (to be) something
My parents never thought me capable of doing a degree.
We have good reason to think kindly of (=consider in an approving way) a school that has provided all our children with an excellent education.
6. think of/about doing something to consider the possibility of doing something:
I had never thought of becoming an actor.
We did think about moving to Tokyo.
Don’t even think about calling him (=used to tell someone strongly not to do something).
7. think twice to think very carefully before deciding to do something, because you know about the dangers or problems:
A visible alarm makes burglars think twice.
think twice about
A previous divorce can make you think twice about getting married again.
think twice before doing something/before you do something
I’d think twice before taking out such a large loan.
8. think again to think carefully about a plan, decision, idea etc, especially with the result that you change your mind or do something differently:
If you think car crime can’t happen to you, think again.
think again about
Universities may be forced to think again about the courses they provide.
SPOKEN PHRASES
9. I think used when you are saying that you believe something is true, although you are not sure:
Mary is in the garden, I think.
I don’t think Ray will mind.
‘Do you understand what I mean?’ ‘Yes, I think so.’
‘Haven’t we met before?’ 'I don’t think so.’
I thought he was honest, but I was wrong.
10. I think I’ll ... used to say what you will probably do:
I think I’ll go to bed early tonight.
11. I thought (that) used when you are politely suggesting something to do:
I thought we’d go swimming tomorrow.
I thought we could meet for lunch.
12. I would think (also I would have thought, I should think/I should have thought British English) used when you are saying that you believe something is probably true:
We’ll need about 10 bottles of wine, I should think.
I would have thought it would be better to wait a while.
13. you would have thought (that) (also you would think (that)) used to say that you expect something to be true, although it is not:
You would have thought the school would do more to help a child like Craig.
14. do you think (that) ...?
a. used when you are asking someone politely to do something for you:
Do you think you could help me move these boxes?
b. used to ask someone’s opinion:
Do you think I need to bring a jacket?
15. who/what etc do you think?
a. used to ask someone’s opinion:
Who do you think will win?
b. used when asking someone angrily about something:
Where do you think you’re going?
16. I think not formal used to say that you strongly believe something is not true or that you disagree with someone:
This could be a coincidence, but I think not.
17. (just) think used to ask someone to imagine or consider something:
Just think – we could be millionaires__
(just) think of
It would be lovely, but think of the expense__
just think what/how etc
Just think what could have happened.
18. (now I) come to think of it used to mention something you have just realized or remembered:
‘Were there any letters for me?’ ‘Yes there were, come to think of it.’
19. I wasn’t thinking (also I didn’t think) used as a way of saying you are sorry because you have upset someone:
Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I wasn’t thinking.
20. to think (that) ...__ used to show that you are very surprised about something:
To think we lived next door to him and never knew what he was doing__
21. if you think ..., you’ve got another think coming__ used to tell someone that if they think someone is going to do something, they are wrong:
If you think I’m going to wait for you, you’ve got another think coming__
22. that’s what you/they etc think__ used to say that you strongly disagree with someone
23. who would have thought? used to say that something is very surprising:
Who would have thought she’d end up dancing for a living?
24. I thought as much used to say that you are not surprised by something someone tells you:
‘Andy failed his driving test.’ ‘I thought as much when I saw his face.’
25. I should have thought ... British English used as a polite or joking way of showing that you disagree with what someone has said or think it is silly:
‘Why isn’t it working?’ ‘I should have thought it was obvious.’
26. think better of it to not do something that you had planned to do, because you realize that it is not a good idea:
He started to say something, then thought better of it.
27. think nothing of doing something to think that a particular activity is normal or easy, even though other people think it is unusual or difficult:
He thinks nothing of staying up all night in casinos.
28. think nothing of something to think that something is not important and then realize later that it is important:
I had a pain in my back but thought nothing of it at the time.
29. not think to do something to not consider doing something, especially when you later wish you had done it:
I didn’t think to question the treatment I was given.
I never thought to ask him for his address.
30. think for yourself to have ideas and thoughts of your own rather than believing what other people say:
Parents have to teach their children to think for themselves.
31. think aloud (also think out loud) to say what you are thinking, without talking to anyone in particular:
Oh, sorry. I was thinking aloud.
32. think straight [usually in negatives] to think clearly:
I’m so nervous I can’t think straight.
How can I think straight with you talking all the time?
33. not think much of somebody/something to not like someone or something very much:
I didn’t think much of his new girlfriend.
34. think highly of somebody/something (also think a lot of somebody/something) to admire or respect someone or something:
Your boss must think highly of you if she gives you so much responsibility.
35. think the world of somebody informal to like or love someone very much:
The children think the world of her.
36. think badly of somebody (also think less of somebody) formal to disapprove of someone or what they have done:
Please don’t think badly of me.
think badly of somebody for
Do you think less of me for agreeing to do it?
37. think the best/worst of somebody to consider someone’s behaviour in a way that makes them seem as good as possible or as bad as possible:
He’s determined to think the worst of me.
38. think big informal to plan to do things that are difficult, but will be very impressive, make a lot of profit etc:
The company is thinking big.
39. think outside the box to think of new, different, or unusual ways of doing something, especially in business
40. think positive/positively to believe that you are going to be successful or that good things are going to happen:
You have to think positive if you’re going to be successful in this game.
41. think on your feet to think of ideas and make decisions very quickly:
In this job you need to be able to think on your feet.
42. think to do something literary to try to do something:
They had thought to deceive me.
43. anyone would think (that) used to say that someone behaves as if a particular thing were true, although it is not:
Anyone would think he owns the place, the way he talks__
⇨ can’t hear yourself think at hear(12)
■ adverbs
▪carefully Think carefully about every spending decision you make.
▪hard (=with a lot of mental effort) I bet, if you think really hard, you can think of something to do.
▪deeply I should have thought more deeply before I agreed.
▪seriously I thought seriously about my doctor’s advice.
▪clearly She was simply too tired to think clearly.
■ phrases
▪long and hard (=hard, for a long time, before making a decision) I thought long and hard about taking the role.
▪I dread/hate/shudder to think (=I do not want to think about something bad) I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t found her.
■ to have a particular opinion
▪think : I think you’re right. | She didn’t think that the film was very good.
▪believe to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about an important subject such as politics or religion: The protestors believe that it is wrong to experiment on animals. | Do you really believe that the only solution to violence is more violence?
▪feel to have a particular opinion, especially one that is based on your feelings, not on facts: She feels that there is no alternative. | I just felt that it was the right thing to do.
▪take the view that formal to have a particular opinion: The court took the view that the company had acted unreasonably. | The college takes the view that smoking in the workplace is a fire risk.
■ to think about something
▪think to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc: I’ve been thinking about what you said – maybe you’re right. | I need some time to think.
▪consider to think about something carefully before deciding what to do: Have you considered working for a year before going to college?
▪weigh (also weigh up British English) to carefully think about a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved: You need to weigh up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages), and decide which investment is the best one for you. | The committee are still weighing the alternatives.
▪give something some/a lot of thought to think carefully about something, before you make a final decision about it: Why don’t you give it some thought and then get back to me? | He had obviously given the matter a lot of thought.
▪mull something over to think about a problem, plan etc before making a decision: Can you give me a bit of time to mull it over?
▪ponder to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about something, especially a problem or something complicated: She is still pondering what to do. | Officials are pondering ways to remove the oil from the beaches.
▪contemplate to think about something you might do in the future: Did you ever contemplate resigning?
▪reflect formal to think carefully about something, especially something that happened in the past: It was a good time to reflect upon the changes that had happened in my life.
■ to keep thinking about something
▪brood to keep thinking for a long time about something that worries you or that makes you angry or upset: There’s no point brooding over things you can’t change.
▪dwell on something to spend too much time thinking about something sad or unpleasant: I try to enjoy my life today and not dwell on the past.
think back phrasal verb
to think about things that happened in the past:
Thinking back, it amazes me how we survived on so little sleep.
think back to/over/on
He thought back to the day he’d first met Sophie.
think of somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to produce an idea, name, suggestion etc by thinking:
They’re still trying to think of a name for the baby.
Can you think of any other way to do it?
2. to remember something:
I can’t think of the name of the hotel we stayed in.
3. to behave in a way that shows that you want to treat other people well:
It was very good of you to think of me.
He’s always thinking of other people.
4. think only of yourself to only do things that are good for you and not think about what other people want – used to show disapproval:
She’s a spoiled child who thinks only of herself.
5. be thinking of somebody used to say that you care about and feel sympathy for someone who is in a difficult situation:
Take care__ I’ll be thinking of you.
think something ↔ out phrasal verb
to think about all the parts of something carefully before deciding or planning exactly what to do:
He went for a walk to think things out.
The proposal needs to be carefully thought out.
think out what/how/whether etc
She had thought out what she was going to say.
think something ↔ over phrasal verb
to consider something carefully before making a decision:
I’ve been thinking over your suggestion.
Why don’t you think it over and give me a call in a couple of days?
I want some more time to think things over.
think something ↔ through phrasal verb
to think carefully about the possible results of something:
The policy has not been thought through properly.
It’s my fault. I didn’t think it through.
I need time to think things through.
think through what/how
People need time to think through what the changes will mean for them.
think something ↔ up phrasal verb
to produce a new idea, name etc by thinking:
She was trying to think up an excuse.
Did you think that up yourself?
Who thinks up names for new products?
think2 noun
I’ll have a think and let you know.
| I |
verb (past tense and past participle thought /θɔːt $ θɒːt/) Word Family: noun: think, rethink, thinker, thinking, the unthinkable; verb: think, rethink; adjective: thinkable ≠ unthinkable, thinking ≠ unthinking; adverb: unthinkingly
Language: Old English
Origin: thencan
1. OPINION/BELIEF [transitive] to have a particular opinion or to believe that something is trueOrigin: thencan
think (that)
what do you think of/about somebody/something? (=used to ask someone for their opinion)
think it necessary/possible/best etc (=believe it is necessary, possible etc)
be thought to be (doing) something (=be believed to be (doing) something)
2. USE YOUR MIND [intransitive and transitive] to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc:
think about/of
think what/how/when etc
think (long and) hard (=think for a long time)
I dread/shudder/hate to think (=I do not want to think about something because it will be unpleasant)
3. HAVE AN IDEA [transitive] to have words or ideas in your mind without telling them to anyone:
think what/how/when etc
4. REMEMBER [transitive] to remember something
think where/what etc
5. CONSIDER SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to consider that someone or something is a particular thing or has a particular quality
think of somebody/something as something
think of yourself as something
think somebody (to be) something
6. think of/about doing something to consider the possibility of doing something:
7. think twice to think very carefully before deciding to do something, because you know about the dangers or problems:
think twice about
think twice before doing something/before you do something
8. think again to think carefully about a plan, decision, idea etc, especially with the result that you change your mind or do something differently:
think again about
SPOKEN PHRASES
9. I think used when you are saying that you believe something is true, although you are not sure:
10. I think I’ll ... used to say what you will probably do:
11. I thought (that) used when you are politely suggesting something to do:
12. I would think (also I would have thought, I should think/I should have thought British English) used when you are saying that you believe something is probably true:
13. you would have thought (that) (also you would think (that)) used to say that you expect something to be true, although it is not:
14. do you think (that) ...?
a. used when you are asking someone politely to do something for you:
b. used to ask someone’s opinion:
15. who/what etc do you think?
a. used to ask someone’s opinion:
b. used when asking someone angrily about something:
16. I think not formal used to say that you strongly believe something is not true or that you disagree with someone:
17. (just) think used to ask someone to imagine or consider something:
(just) think of
just think what/how etc
18. (now I) come to think of it used to mention something you have just realized or remembered:
19. I wasn’t thinking (also I didn’t think) used as a way of saying you are sorry because you have upset someone:
20. to think (that) ...__ used to show that you are very surprised about something:
21. if you think ..., you’ve got another think coming__ used to tell someone that if they think someone is going to do something, they are wrong:
22. that’s what you/they etc think__ used to say that you strongly disagree with someone
23. who would have thought? used to say that something is very surprising:
24. I thought as much used to say that you are not surprised by something someone tells you:
25. I should have thought ... British English used as a polite or joking way of showing that you disagree with what someone has said or think it is silly:
26. think better of it to not do something that you had planned to do, because you realize that it is not a good idea:
27. think nothing of doing something to think that a particular activity is normal or easy, even though other people think it is unusual or difficult:
28. think nothing of something to think that something is not important and then realize later that it is important:
29. not think to do something to not consider doing something, especially when you later wish you had done it:
30. think for yourself to have ideas and thoughts of your own rather than believing what other people say:
31. think aloud (also think out loud) to say what you are thinking, without talking to anyone in particular:
32. think straight [usually in negatives] to think clearly:
33. not think much of somebody/something to not like someone or something very much:
34. think highly of somebody/something (also think a lot of somebody/something) to admire or respect someone or something:
35. think the world of somebody informal to like or love someone very much:
36. think badly of somebody (also think less of somebody) formal to disapprove of someone or what they have done:
think badly of somebody for
37. think the best/worst of somebody to consider someone’s behaviour in a way that makes them seem as good as possible or as bad as possible:
38. think big informal to plan to do things that are difficult, but will be very impressive, make a lot of profit etc:
39. think outside the box to think of new, different, or unusual ways of doing something, especially in business
40. think positive/positively to believe that you are going to be successful or that good things are going to happen:
41. think on your feet to think of ideas and make decisions very quickly:
42. think to do something literary to try to do something:
43. anyone would think (that) used to say that someone behaves as if a particular thing were true, although it is not:
⇨ can’t hear yourself think at hear(12)
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■ to think about something
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think back phrasal verb
to think about things that happened in the past:
think back to/over/on
think of somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to produce an idea, name, suggestion etc by thinking:
2. to remember something:
3. to behave in a way that shows that you want to treat other people well:
4. think only of yourself to only do things that are good for you and not think about what other people want – used to show disapproval:
5. be thinking of somebody used to say that you care about and feel sympathy for someone who is in a difficult situation:
think something ↔ out phrasal verb
to think about all the parts of something carefully before deciding or planning exactly what to do:
think out what/how/whether etc
think something ↔ over phrasal verb
to consider something carefully before making a decision:
think something ↔ through phrasal verb
to think carefully about the possible results of something:
think through what/how
think something ↔ up phrasal verb
to produce a new idea, name etc by thinking:
| II |
noun Word Family: noun: think, rethink, thinker, thinking, the unthinkable; verb: think, rethink; adjective: thinkable ≠ unthinkable, thinking ≠ unthinking; adverb: unthinkingly
have a think British English to think about a problem or question: think to have an idea that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about sb/sth 指认为、以为某人／某事…但不肯定 ：◆ Do you think (that) they'll come? 你认为他们会来吗？ ◆ Well, I like it. What do you think? 嗯，我喜欢这个。你认为怎么样？ believe to have an idea that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about sb/sth 指认为、以为 ：◆ Police believe (that) the man may be armed. 警方认为那个人可能携有武器。
think or believe? 用 think 还是 believe？
feel to have a particular opinion about sth that has happened or about what you/sb ought to do 指认为（已发生的事情…）、相信（应该…） ：◆ We all felt (that) we were unlucky to lose. 我们都认为我们输了是运气不好。 reckon ( to think that sth is true or possible指认为、以为 ：◆ I reckon (that) I'm going to get that job. 我认为我会得到那份工作。 be under the impression that… to have an idea that sth is true 指以为某事… ：◆ I was under the impression that the work had already been completed. 我还以为已经完工了呢。
Patterns
to think/believe/feel/reckon/be under the impression that… It is thought/believed/reckonedthat… to be thought/believed/felt/reckonedto be sthto think/believe/feel sth about sb/sthto sincerely/honestly/seriously/mistakenly think/believe/feel
Reporting someone's opinion 陈述某人的观点
◆ Photography is, according to Vidal, the art form of untalented people.据维达尔所言，摄影是没有天赋的人的艺术形式。 ◆ For Vidal, photography is the art form of untalented people.对维达尔来说，摄影是没有天赋的人的艺术形式。 ◆ His view is that photography is not art but merely the mechanical reproduction of images.他的观点是摄影不是艺术，而只是机械地复制图像。 ◆ Smith takes the view that photography is both an art and a science.史密斯所持的观点是：摄影既是一门艺术也是一门科学。 ◆ In Brown'sview , photography should be treated as a legitimate art in its own right.在布朗看来，摄影本身就应该被视为一种正当的艺术。 ◆ James is of the opinion that a good painter can always be a good photographer if he or she so decides.詹姆斯认为一个好的画家定能成为一个好的摄影师，只要他／她一心这样做。 ◆ Emerson believed that a photograph should only reflect what the human eye can see.埃默森认为照片应该只是反映人们肉眼所能见到的东西。
imagine to form an idea in your mind of what sb/sth might be like 指想象、设想 ：◆ The house was just as she had imagined it. 这房子正如她所想象的。 think to imagine sth that might happen or might have happened 指猜想、想象、试想 ：◆ We couldn't think where you'd gone. 我们猜想不出来你到哪里去了。 ◆ Just think —this time tomorrow we'll be lying on a beach.想想看，明天这个时候我们就躺在海滩上了。 see to consider sth as a future possibility; to imagine sb as sth 指设想、想象 ：◆ I can't see her changing her mind. 我无法想象她会改变主意。 ◆ His colleagues see him as a future director. 他的同事认为他很可能是未来的负责人。 envisage ( to imagine what will happen in the futureespecially
BrE 指想象、设想、展望 ：◆ I don't envisage working with him again. 我想象不出再与他一起工作的可能。 NOTE The usual word for this in American English isenvision (see below).在美式英语中，这一意义常用 envision（见下文）。 envision to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation that you intend to work towards 指展望、想象 ：◆ They envision an equal society, free from poverty and disease. 他们向往一个没有贫穷和疾病的平等社会。 NOTE Envision is used especially in business and political contexts. In North American English it is also used as another form of the wordenvisage .* envision 尤用于商业和政治语境，在美式英语中亦作 envisage 的另一种形式 ：◆ I don't envision working with him again. 我想象不出再与他一起工作的可能。
Patterns
to imagine/see/envisage/envision sb/sth as sthto imagine/see/envisage/envision (sb) doing sth to imagine/think/see/envisage/envision who/what/how… to imagine/think/envisage/envision that…
