think up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “think up” mean?
To invent or create something, especially an idea, plan, or excuse, using one's imagination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To invent or create something, especially an idea, plan, or excuse, using one's imagination.
To conceive of something novel, often a solution or a story, through mental effort; implies deliberate creativity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more playful or informal connotation in British English; neutral-informal in American English.
Frequency
Moderately common in both, with comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “think up” in a Sentence
NP think up NPNP think NP upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “think up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team had to think up a proper plan on the spot.
- She thought up a brilliant excuse for missing the meeting.
American English
- We need to think up a catchy name for the new product.
- He can always think an elaborate prank up for April Fool's.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal brainstorming contexts: 'We need to think up a new marketing strategy.'
Academic
Rare; more formal synonyms preferred (devise, conceive).
Everyday
Common for excuses, plans, games: 'He quickly thought up a reason for being late.'
Technical
Uncommon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “think up”
- Incorrect: 'I thought up about a new idea.' Correct: 'I thought up a new idea.'
- Incorrect separation: 'I thought it quickly up.' Correct: 'I thought it up quickly.' or 'I quickly thought it up.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'devise', 'conceive', or 'invent' are often preferred.
Yes, it is neutral in this regard. You can think up a brilliant invention or think up a malicious lie.
'Think of' is broader, meaning to recall, consider, or have an idea. 'Think up' specifically means to invent or create something new through mental effort.
Yes, 'think up' is a transitive phrasal verb and requires a direct object (e.g., think up a plan).
To invent or create something, especially an idea, plan, or excuse, using one's imagination.
Think up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋk ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋk ˌʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dream up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Your thoughts go UP into your imagination to CREATE something new.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS MANUFACTURED BY THE MIND.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'think up' CORRECTLY?