“Think” vs. “Thought”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “think” and “thought”

  • "Think" is the act of actively engaging one's mind to come up with ideas or make decisions, while "thought" refers to the result of that mental process.
  • "Think" is primarily used as a verb, while "thought" can be a noun or the past tense form of "think."
  • "Think" is an ongoing process, while "thought" is a product of that process and can be a singular or plural entity.
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What is the definition of “think” and “thought”?

Think
  • To form ideas or opinions in one's mind.
  • To use one's intelligence to solve problems or make decisions.
  • To consider or reflect on something in order to come to a judgment or conclusion.
Thought
  • A single idea or a series of connected ideas.
  • The result of the process of thinking.
  • A mental picture or a reflection on past events or experiences.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Think” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Think
3,840,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I always think about my family when I'm away from them.
  2. I think he should apologize for what he said.
  3. I don't think we can finish this project on time.
Thought
2,230,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. 1.. After some thought, I decided to take the job offer.
  2. She had a sudden thought about a solution to the problem and quickly jotted it down.
  3. I had too many thoughts running through my head.
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