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thing

thing

3.0
The main point to remember
  • noun
  • /θɪŋ/
  • Informal
translation icon : lo importante
  • The most important thing to remember is to listen to one another.
  • one thing
  • the important thing
  • the most important thing

And here's the thing, those things don't make more rent.

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Examples

  • But there is one thing that we still need to know.

  • OK, I just need to say one thing really quick.

  • But the key thing now is, like, for what?

  • So the important thing is, you know, like this.

  • Now, if we argue this thing out right, we can get somewhere.

  • You know, again, the foremost thing I want to convey is this.

  • So that is one thing I would be wary of.

  • But here's the thing I left on my terms.

  • And that's the one thing that people give up.

  • In this discussion, the main thing we need to focus on is our goals.

Synonyms

point
vsthing
1.0

An item in an argument or on a list

is the single most important item used specifically to clarify or emphasize
the thing is
vsthing
  • Informal
166 3.5

To say an important fact or reason when explaining something

is reserved for the single most important point used to clarify or emphasize
key point
vsthing
43 3.1

A main idea in a talk or report

is used for the single most important idea when clarifying or emphasizing
here's the thing
vsthing
  • Informal
43 7.2

A phrase that introduces the most important point in a discussion

is the actual single most important point or purpose used to clarify
focal point
vsthing
30 3.7

The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention

is mainly used to state the single main purpose when clarifying in discussion

Antonyms

10 5.3

Something not related to the main topic

6 5.4

A small detail that does not matter

Idioms

the thing is
  • Informal
166 3.5

To say an important fact or reason when explaining something

here's the thing
  • Informal
43 7.2

A phrase that introduces the most important point in a discussion

a thing or two
  • Informal
35 3.7

Some useful knowledge or experience about a subject

29 3.8

Something that people do not use or think about anymore

All small details of a person's life or a situation

6 6.0

Something a person is not thinking about or worrying about right now

any old thing
  • Informal
2 5.6

A thing of any kind, often not good or picked without care

A very useful new thing that people say is great

A phrase said to show something would be nice but is very unlikely to happen

8.2

Something happens suddenly before you notice

Something you do not want at an important or difficult time

Compounds

102 3.8

A thing that is not fake and is exactly as expected

89 1.0

An attractive or valuable object that people enjoy owning

77 2.4

Something that is certain to happen or succeed

63 1.0

A plant, animal, or small creature that grows and needs food and water

11 3.2

An action most people see as the right and kind thing to do

11 1.6

A phrase to add an extra point and mention a problem when speaking or writing

sweet young thing
  • Offensive
2 8.2

An attractive young woman often talked about in a kind way or as less grown-up

fine thing
  • Informal
1 7.2

Something very good or lucky that you doubt will happen

near thing
  • Informal
1 6.6

A situation when something bad almost happens but does not

thing-in-itself
  • Specialized
1 9.9

What something really is apart from how people see it

cunty thing
  • Offensive
9.9

A very rude remark or action that upsets people

dadburn thing
  • Archaic
9.9

A mild word people use to show annoyance without swearing

How Central

thing
  • Informal
3.0
essence
441 4.8
key point
43 3.1
point
1.0
aspect
920 3.4
detail
1.0

Surface Forms

thing singular
things plural

Etymology

Thing comes from Old English þing, which meant the important 'matter' at a meeting, so when we say 'the main thing' we mean the most important point.