1. To believe that something is true, that a particular situation exists or will happen, etc.: Joshua thought he heard Shellie's voice a while ago.

Mona thinks she knows the right answer.

Kelsey and Fay didn't think they would have any problems completing their project.

Brenda asked, "Gary, do you honestly think Alisha will agree with your plan?"

Stefanie never thought that she would become a computer programmer.

Who could possibly have thought that Cleo would be this successful?

Shareen never thought that Brian would leave her.

2. To have an opinion about someone or something: Willie thinks that he should let Iva know what is going on.

Howard thinks that Trudy is a talented writer and musician.

Doug asked, "Mariel, where do you think we should eat tonight?"

3. To form or to have a particular idea or concept in a person's mind: Celia commented, "Come on, Eugene, you really should relax and try to think pleasant thoughts instead of being so negative."

Craig was just thinking what it would be like to be rich.

Cassie was thinking about the time when she and her family took a vacation in Florida.

4. To use one's mind to understand or to decide something: Larry said, "Whatever you do, Frank, think before you answer the question."

This word game teaches pupils how to think.

Janet said, "Where did I see your glasses? Let me think."

Ingrid thought for a long time before she reached a final decision.

Now, don't bother him because he's thinking about the problem.

Dwight inquired, "Well Carlos, have you thought about where you will be living when you retire?"

5. Used to make a statement or suggestion less definite: Ivan thinks Mollie and Janine lived here once.

Victor thought that he might go for a walk in the city park this afternoon.

6. Applies to questions which show anger or surprise about what someone has done or is doing: Dad said, "Jimmy, what do you think you're doing? Your mother just said you can't have a cookie."

Greg said, "Come on, man, who do you think you are, pushing your way in here like that?"

1. Using one's mind to produce ideas, decisions, memories, etc. or the activity of reflecting or conceptualizing about something: Louis commented, "Rosetta, you should form your own opinions and don't let others do your thinking for you!"

The teacher's attitude is to encourage her students to use their independent thinking.

Cindy asked, "Donald, do you remember what your thinking was when you made your decision?"

2. An opinion or judgment: Olive mentioned, "Carl, please let Maude know what your thinking is on this decision."
3. A way of determining what is characteristic of a particular group, time period, etc.: Just what is the administration's current thinking about this topic in the current economic situation?

A reference to the ability to intelligently decide the best approach to solving complicated things: There are thinking scholars who want to encourage students to be creative thinkers.