A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.
An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
A purposeful aim or goal; intent
A musical theme or melodic subject.
More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
Something theorised; a theory.
The development of something beyond its obvious and practical scope.
The act of constructing a theory.