idea

noun9

1. •
   a thought, or a way of thinking about something

   • Ideas won't go to jail. — 1952
2. •
   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.
3. •
   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.
4. •
   A purposeful aim or goal; intent.

   • Yeah, that's the idea.
5. •
   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.
6. •
   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.
7. •
   A musical theme or melodic subject.
8. •
   (no longer used) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
9. •
   (no longer used) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.

   • The remembrance whereof (which yet I beare deepely imprinted in my minde) representing me her visage and Idea so lively and so naturally, doth in some sort reconcile me unto her. — 1603