deep thought
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Use `deep thought` to describe someone intensely focusing on complex ideas or serious life reflections.
En 15 secondes
- Being fully immersed in serious or complex mental reflection.
- Used to describe someone who is focused and ignoring surroundings.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'in' to describe a state.
Signification
This phrase describes a state of being very focused on serious or complex ideas. It means you are ignoring the world around you to ponder something important.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Observing a colleague
Don't disturb Sarah; she's in deep thought about the new project.
Don't disturb Sarah; she's in deep thought about the new project.
Describing a quiet friend
You've been in deep thought all morning—is everything okay?
You've been in deep thought all morning—is everything okay?
Texting a late replier
Sorry for the late reply, I was in deep thought about which pizza to order!
Sorry for the late reply, I was in deep thought about which pizza to order!
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'deep thought' is famously personified by Rodin's statue 'The Thinker,' which has become a global symbol for intellectual labor. In English-speaking cultures, being 'lost in deep thought' is often a romanticized trait of philosophers, scientists, and artists. It gained further pop-culture fame through Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' where a supercomputer named 'Deep Thought' calculates the answer to the meaning of life.
The 'In' Rule
Always remember the phrase is almost always 'in deep thought'. You don't 'have' a deep thought as often as you 'are in' one.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small choice, people will think you are being sarcastic. Save it for the big stuff!
En 15 secondes
- Being fully immersed in serious or complex mental reflection.
- Used to describe someone who is focused and ignoring surroundings.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'in' to describe a state.
What It Means
Deep thought is that moment when your brain is working overtime. You aren't just thinking about what to eat for lunch. You are exploring big ideas, solving hard problems, or reflecting on life. It is like diving into a pool of your own ideas. You might even forget to blink or hear someone call your name.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the preposition in. For example, "He is in deep thought." You can also use it to describe a person's expression. If your friend looks like they are solving the mysteries of the universe, they have a deep thought look. It works as both a noun phrase and a description of a state of mind.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone staring into space with a serious face. It is perfect for academic settings or creative brainstorming sessions. You can use it at a coffee shop when you see a writer staring at a blank page. It is also great for emotional moments when you are weighing a big life decision. If you are texting a friend who isn't replying, you might joke that they are in deep thought.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple, quick decisions. If you are choosing between a red or blue pen, that is not deep thought. Avoid using it for mindless activities like watching reality TV. It implies a level of intellectual effort. Also, don't confuse it with being distracted. Deep thought is focused; being distracted means your mind is wandering aimlessly.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, the image of the "Thinker" (like Rodin's statue) represents this phrase. We value the idea of the "absent-minded professor" who gets lost in their mind. It is often seen as a sign of intelligence or creativity. In modern fast-paced life, being in deep thought is sometimes seen as a luxury. It suggests you have the time to really process the world.
Common Variations
You might hear people say someone is lost in thought. This is very similar but feels a bit more accidental. Lost in thought sounds like you forgot where you are. Deep thought sounds a bit more intentional and heavy. You can also say someone is pensive, which is a fancier, more formal way to say the same thing.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any social situation. Just remember that it implies a certain level of 'heaviness' or importance to the topic being thought about.
The 'In' Rule
Always remember the phrase is almost always 'in deep thought'. You don't 'have' a deep thought as often as you 'are in' one.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small choice, people will think you are being sarcastic. Save it for the big stuff!
The 'Thinker' Pose
In English-speaking countries, if you put your chin on your hand, people might jokingly ask if you are 'in deep thought' because of the famous statue.
Exemples
6Don't disturb Sarah; she's in deep thought about the new project.
Don't disturb Sarah; she's in deep thought about the new project.
Used to explain why someone shouldn't be interrupted.
You've been in deep thought all morning—is everything okay?
You've been in deep thought all morning—is everything okay?
Shows concern for a friend's quiet behavior.
Sorry for the late reply, I was in deep thought about which pizza to order!
Sorry for the late reply, I was in deep thought about which pizza to order!
Uses the phrase ironically for a trivial decision.
He sat by the ocean, lost in deep thought about his future.
He sat by the ocean, lost in deep thought about his future.
Sets a reflective, emotional tone.
The library was full of students in deep thought.
The library was full of students in deep thought.
Describes a general atmosphere of focus.
After much deep thought, the committee has reached a decision.
After much deep thought, the committee has reached a decision.
Emphasizes that the decision was not made lightly.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
He was ___ deep thought when the bell rang.
We always use 'in' to describe being inside a state of mind like 'deep thought'.
Which word best completes the sentence to show intensity?
The professor fell into a ___ thought about the physics problem.
'Deep' is the standard collocation for intense thinking in English.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Deep Thought'
Used jokingly with friends.
Deep thought about tacos.
Standard everyday usage.
He's in deep thought.
Used in literature or speeches.
After a period of deep thought...
Where to use 'Deep Thought'
Studying
Solving a math problem.
Life Decisions
Choosing a career path.
Artistic Creation
Writing a poem.
Meditation
Reflecting on the day.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsIt means you are thinking very hard about something complex or serious. It's more than just a quick idea; it's a state of intense focus.
Yes! You can say you are in deep thought about which socks to wear to be sarcastic.
Not quite. Daydreaming is usually aimless and light, while deep thought is usually focused and productive.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it feeling weird.
No, 'big thought' is not a common expression. Stick with deep thought or serious thought.
You could say 'shallow thinking' or 'distraction', but there isn't one perfect opposite phrase.
They are very close. Lost in thought implies you've lost track of your surroundings, while deep thought focuses on the intensity of the thinking.
Absolutely. Saying 'I need some time for deep thought on this' shows you take the topic seriously.
It is a noun phrase. You are 'in' deep thought, or you 'give' something deep thought.
Usually no. It is generally seen as a positive or neutral trait of an intellectual person.
It's better to say 'I am thinking deeply' or 'I am in deep thought'. 'Deep thinking' is usually used as a noun, like 'Deep thinking is required for this job'.
Expressions liées
Lost in thought
So focused on your own thoughts that you don't notice what's happening around you.
Pensive
A formal adjective for someone who looks like they are thinking deeply and perhaps a bit sadly.
Food for thought
Something that is worth thinking about seriously.
To mull it over
To think about something for a long period of time before making a decision.
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