thing

thing

thing¹ [thiŋ]

n.

[ME < OE, council, court, controversy, akin to Ger ding, ON thing (orig. sense, “public assembly,” hence, “subject of discussion, matter, thing”) < IE * tenk-, to stretch, period of time < base * ten-, to stretch > THIN]

1. any matter, circumstance, affair, or concern often used in pl. [how are things?]

2. that which is done, has been done, or is to be done; happening, act, deed, incident, event, etc. [to accomplish great things]

3. that which constitutes an end to be achieved, a step in a process, etc. [the next thing is to mix thoroughly]

4. anything conceived of or referred to as existing as an individual, distinguishable entity; specif.,

a) any single entity distinguished from all others [each thing in the universe]

b) a tangible object, as distinguished from a concept, quality, etc. [paintings and other beautiful things]

c) an inanimate object

d) an item, detail, etc. [go over each thing in the list]

e) the object or concept referred to or represented by a word, symbol, or sign; referent

f) an object of thought; idea [think the right things]

5.

a) [pl.] personal belongings; also, clothes or clothing

b) a dress, garment, etc. [not a thing to wear]

6. [pl.] articles, devices, etc. used for some purpose

7. a person: used in expressions of affection, pity, contempt, etc. [poor thing]

8. a being, object, or concept the exact term for which is not known or recalled or is avoided, as from disdain [where did you buy that thing?]

9. Informal a point of contention; issue [don't make a thing of it ]

☆ 10. Informal a complex, often neurotic liking, fear, aversion, etc. with regard to some person, thing, or activity [to have a thing about flying ]

☆ 11. Informal what one wants to do or is adept at [do one's own thing]

12. Law that which may be owned; a property: distinguished from PERSON

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see things

Informal to have hallucinations

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the thing

1. that which is wise, essential, etc.

2. that which is the height of fashion or style

thing² [tiŋ; ] E [ thiŋ]

n.

[ON, assembly: see THING¹]

a Scandinavian legislative body