thinking

[ thing-king ]

adjective

1. rational; reasoning:

   People are thinking animals.

2. thoughtful; reflective:

   Any thinking person would reject that plan.

noun

1. thought; think; thought; judgment, reflection:

   clear thinking.

thinking

/ ˈθɪŋkɪŋ /

noun

1. opinion or judgment
2. the process of thought

adjective

1. prenominal using or capable of using intelligent thought

   thinking people

2. put on one's thinking cap
   to ponder a matter or problem

Other Words From

• thinking·ly adverb
• non·thinking adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thinking¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English thenking (noun); think ¹, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The causes of neurodegenerative diseases are largely mysterious, but the current thinking is that they involve inflammation, a normal function of the immune system that is usually short-lived in response to infections or wounds.

From Science Daily

The idea behind the study is that engaging in the arts offers a pathway for exploring and expanding new ways of thinking, developing insights and sparking self-discovery.

From Science Daily

As I waited for brain surgery, I instinctively pressed record on my phone camera, thinking I might be documenting the final months of my life.

From BBC

These strategies include cool-off activities like drawing, counting to ten or deep breathing, thinking about something happy to keep calm, meditation or mindfulness or moving away from other people.

From Science Daily

“She needs to get off her high horse and not think that I was thinking about her for the last 15 years.”

From Salon

Related Words

• reasoning