Skip to main content
to think about

to think about

1.0
To give attention to something in your mind
  • phrasal verb
  • /θɪŋk əˈbaʊt/
translation icon : pensar en
  • So this is something that I hadn't thought about until just now.
  • ways to think about
  • critically think about
  • time to think about

But for now, let's think about that last line.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • I think we have to step back and think about why do we work?

  • And then tell us what you think about that, right?

  • So here is how to think about yourself.

  • But you have to think about doing wrong.

  • So he said, think about it and come back to me.

  • We need to think about the future.

  • Just for a moment, think about the worst thing that has ever happened to you.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Examine both sides of the debate and decide what you think about this issue.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Victoria's funeral got me thinking about what I want to do before I die.

  • Before making a decision, you should think about all the possible outcomes.

Synonyms

to look at
vsto think about
1.0

Study something carefully to understand it or decide

is about general mental attention rather than focused examination
to think
vsto think about
1.0

To use your mind to consider something carefully

is about giving general mental attention rather than active reasoning
to think of
vsto think about
1.0

Keep a person or thing in your mind when making plans

is general mental attention, not only holding options in mind
to consider
vsto think about
1.1

To think carefully before making a decision

gives broad mental attention rather than focused choice-making
to study
vsto think about
1.0

To look at something carefully to understand it

is broader, not limited to systematic examination
to reflect
vsto think about
265 3.9

To think carefully about something before making a decision

covers simpler or casual mental attention as well as deep thought
to keep in mind
vsto think about
240 3.0

To remember something when making decisions or thinking about it

is general mental attention, not necessarily linked to future choices
to have in mind
vsto think about
224 3.2

To think of a certain person, thing, or idea

is broader, including attention without a specific referent
to contemplate
vsto think about
186 4.8

To think deeply about something for a long time

is the simple act of giving attention without demanding depth
to ponder
vsto think about
134 4.3

Think carefully for a long time about something

is less specific about duration and slow examination
to reflect on
vsto think about
120 4.0

To think carefully about something and what it means

is broader, covering any level of mental attention rather than depth
to think it through
vsto think about
  • Informal
105 3.2

To look at all the details and what may happen before you decide

is about giving attention broadly, not necessarily full analysis
to entertain
vsto think about
82 4.2

Think about an idea or possibility

is wider, including active judgment and not only permitting an idea
to bear in mind
vsto think about
43 3.4

Remember something when you decide or think about it

can mean simple attention now rather than storing for later
to mull
vsto think about
36 4.7

Think carefully for a long time before making a decision

can mean any attention, not always prolonged or repeated
to toy with
vsto think about
29 4.5

To think about an idea or plan without deciding

can mean serious or casual attention, not only casual consideration
to mull over
vsto think about
19 4.0

To think carefully about something before deciding

is wider, including quick or light attention as well as depth
to ruminate
vsto think about
10 7.6

To think carefully about something for a long time

covers single or passing attention rather than prolonged rumination
to think over
vsto think about
8 3.0

To look at something carefully before deciding

is general mental attention, not always thorough before deciding
to cogitate
vsto think about
  • Formal
3 8.5

To think carefully and deeply about something

is the everyday act of paying attention, not formal analysis
to ponder over
vsto think about
1 4.1

To think carefully about something for a long time

may refer to short or brief mental attention as well

Antonyms

1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

332 3.0

To refuse to accept an idea or claim

How Deep

to contemplate
186 4.8
to ponder
134 4.3
to reflect on
120 4.0
to mull over
19 4.0
to think about
1.0
to consider
1.8

Surface Forms

think about infinitive
thinking about present participle
thinks about third person singular
thought about past participle

Morphology

think + about

The meaning 'to consider or reflect on' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'think' (engage mental processes) with 'about' (introducing the topic), so the composite meaning follows ordinary English composition patterns. This verb + preposition construction is cross-linguistically common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The expression think about comes from a simple picture: imagine your mind turning around an idea, with think meaning to use your mind and about showing movement around a topic. So when you think about something you are mentally 'considering' it or 'reflecting on' it.