1. n. (philosophy) 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.
2. n. (obsolete) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
3. n. (obsolete) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.
4. n. An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.
5. n. More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
6. n. A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
I have an idea of how we might escape.
7. n. A purposeful aim or goal; intent
If you keep sweet-talking her like that, you're going to talk her right out of her pants.
Yeah, that's the idea.
8. n. A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.
He had the wild idea that if he leant forward a little, he might be able to touch the mountain-top.
