idea (aɪˈdɪ:ə). [a. late L. idea (in Platonic sense), a. Gr. ἰδέα look, semblance, form, configuration, species, kind, class, sort, nature, (in Platonic philosophy) a general or ideal form, model, f. root ἰδ-, ἰδέἰv, to see: the word being thus analogous in derivation and original sense to L. species from spec-ere to see, behold.] I. General or ideal form as distinguished from its realisation in individuals; archetype, pattern, plan, standard. 1. In Platonic philosophy: supposed eternally existing pattern or archetype of any class of things, of which the individual things in that class are imperfect copies, and from which they derive their existence. 2. a. The concept of anything in its highest perfection or supreme development; a standard of perfection; an ideal. b. A person or thing regarded as perfect in its kind; the ideal realised in an individual. 3. The conception of a standard or principle to be realised or aimed at; a conception of what is desirable or ought to be; a governing conception or principle; the plan or design according to which something is created or constructed. 4. In weakened sense: A conception or notion of something to be done or carried out; an intention, plan of action. 5. A pattern, type; the original of which something else is a copy; a preliminary sketch or draft; something in an undeveloped state. II. Figure, form, image. 6. a. A figure, representation, likeness, image, symbol, ‘picture’ (of something). b. Form, figure (as a quality or attribute); configuration, shape; aspect; nature or character. c. A 'figure' of speech or rhetoric; a form or way of speaking. III. Mental image, conception, notion. 7. An image existing or formed in the mind. a. The mental image or picture of something previously seen or known, and recalled by the memory. b. More generally: A picture or notion of anything conceived by the mind; a conception. c. A conception which reality corresponds; something merely imagined or fancied. d. in idea (= F. en idée), in conception or imagination; in mind, in thought: opposed to in reality. 8. a. More widely: Any product of mental apprehension or activity, existing in the mind as an object of knowledge or thought; an item of knowledge or belief; a thought, conception, notion; a way of thinking. b. A notion or thought more or less imperfect, indefinite, or fanciful; a vague belief, opinion, or estimate; a supposition, impression, fancy. c. Colloq. phr. to get (or have) ideas (into one's head): to conceive notions of a particular kind, usu. undesirable or harmful; spec. to entertain a notion of being rebellious, violent, etc. d. Used after a possessive to denote a person's conception of an ideal, typical, adequate example of the person or thing specified. e. An idea worthy of consideration or capable of realisation; a possibility. IV Modern philosophical development. [from 7 and 8] 9. With Descartes and Locke: Whatever is in the mind and directly present to cognitive consciousness; that which one thinks, feels, or fancies; the immediate object of thought or mental perception. 10. a. In the Kantian and transcendental schools: A conception of reason that transcends all experience; one of the noumena or ultimate principles apprehended by reason, as opposed to the conceptions of the understanding, which experience. b. In Hegelianism: The absolute truth of which all phenomenal existence is the expression; the Idea, the Absolute.