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thread

thread

372 4.3
A connected set of ideas or messages that follow the same topic
  • noun
  • /θrɛd/
  • Texting
translation icon : hilo
  • This was a common thread in these young people.
  • discussion thread
  • common thread
  • narrative thread

So that was the thread throughout the entire time.

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Examples

  • CEC can bring together a common thread to help all teachers teach all children.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The online forum was filled with a lively thread discussing the latest climate change initiatives.

  • So that was the thread throughout the entire time.

  • But the common thread that runs through that is vision.

  • And so that was a common thread there for conversation.

  • And that was really sort of the common thread for years.

  • There has been an entire thread of people looking at that.

  • I will say there, there tends to be a thread that runs through my work.

  • And that's kind of like the the common thread throughout all these videos.

  • The beauty is finding common threads in different conversations and bringing people together.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

conversation
vsthread
1.0

A talk between two or more people to share news and ideas

is a focused ongoing line used in arguments or online posts
discussion
vsthread
1.4

A conversation where people share ideas and opinions to decide or understand

is a focused continuing line within a larger exchange
train of thought
vsthread
  • Informal
17 3.6

A set of ideas that follow each other in your mind

is about connected ideas used in arguments or online messages
threads
vsthread
  • Texting
3 3.2

A series of messages about one topic on a website

is the singular form referring to the same online series
4.1

The main idea that connects the points someone makes

is the shorter single-word form for that same central idea

Idioms

To pass something carefully through a very small gap or to do a very precise and difficult action

1 6.1

In a very dangerous situation where a small problem can cause everything to fail

7.3

In a very risky situation where failure can happen at any moment

Compounds

A plant that grows in dry places with long stiff leaves that have thin threads along the edges

lisle thread
  • Archaic
9.4

A strong, smooth cotton thread used for fine socks and gloves

9.1

A low plant that lives for many years in woods with three-part leaves, yellow roots and white flowers

screw thread
  • Specialized
5.0

A raised spiral on a screw or bolt makes it hold things when you turn it

The main idea that connects the points someone makes

thread blight
  • Specialized
9.9

A disease that makes threads of fungus grow on branches and leaves of tropical trees like cacao or tea

A person who twists fibers into yarn for use in cloth

thread maker
  • Texting
4.1

A person who begins online discussions on forums or social media

thread-fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with very long front fin rays that lives near warm coasts

How Connected

debate
  • Formal
2.0
discussion
1.4
thread
  • Texting
372 4.3
exchange
119 3.5
to reply
453 1.0
comment
1.0

Surface Forms

thread singular
threads plural

Etymology

Thread comes from an old English word thraed meaning 'twisted string', and the idea of one single string helped people talk about one continuous line you can follow. That's why a 'thread' is the line of ideas in an argument or a series of messages on one topic.