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thing

thing

7.7
A strong feeling that makes you like or dislike something
  • noun
  • /θɪŋ/
  • Informal
translation icon : manía (aversión/obsesión)
  • Well, what is the thing that's obsessing you?

It's the fear flight thing in your brain, right?

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Examples

  • Despite knowing it was a bad idea, he couldn't shake the feeling that thing was worth pursuing.

  • No, actually... I was gonna say I had a thing for priests.

  • By pushing us to believe and desire certain things, emotions drive us to act.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Being ethical and socially responsible is the most important thing a firm can do.

    Academic text (2013)
  • You have to stop with the jealousy thing.

  • For decades, education experts have heralded emerging technologies as the next big thing to revolutionize teaching.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Yes, blessed with money, blessed with clothes... blessed with every freedom under the sun... but cursed with the worst thing of all: cowardice.

  • I always felt an irrational desire for that thing ever since I was a child.

  • You need to understand what that thing is that keeps bothering you.

Synonyms

hatred
vsthing
394 1.9

A very strong dislike that can make a person want to hurt others

is often an irrational or lasting feeling, not necessarily provoking action
loathing
vsthing
48 5.2

A strong feeling of hatred and disgust for someone or something

is often an irrational or persistent feeling, not limited to disgust
aversion
vsthing
31 6.5

A strong dislike of something or someone

often involves wanting as well as being irrational or persistent
distaste
vsthing
28 4.1

A mild feeling of not liking something

is often irrational or persistent and can also mean wanting
revulsion
vsthing
18 6.3

A strong feeling of disgust at something very unpleasant

is broader, including wanting or dislike as well as disgust
repulsion
vsthing
3 6.2

A strong feeling of dislike and disgust

is more general, covering wanting or dislike not only disgust
repugnancy
vsthing
9.1

A strong feeling of disgust or deep dislike

is about feeling either wanting or dislike rather than just disgust

Antonyms

71 4.6

Lack of interest or concern about something

5 5.8

Not feeling interested in something, like a talk or task

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 Strong

obsession
262 5.1
thing
  • Informal
7.7
pet peeve
  • Informal
19 6.3

Surface Forms

thing singular
things plural

Etymology

Thing is often used for a habit or feeling and a helpful way to remember this is that it comes from Old English þing meaning a 'matter' or interest, so 'having a thing for' something means you have a special feeling or dislike about it.