in idea

adverb

In thought or imagination as opposed to in reality; as an abstract concept; conceptually.

First used 17th c.
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Meanings

adverbin idea (not comparable)
  1. not comparableIn thought or imagination as opposed to in reality; as an abstract concept; conceptually.First known use 17th c.

    [A]n acquaintance she soon after formed with Henry Mortimer, realized the object she had long dwelt on in idea.

    1790, Amelia Opie, chapter 4, in Dangers of Coquetry, volume I
Cite this entry
APA

in idea. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20idea

MLA

“in idea.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20idea. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “in idea,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20idea.

Source: in idea on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.