1 C1 informal
To think carefully or reflect on something (chiefly British dialect or archaic).
"Think on what I've said before you make your final choice."
inseparable
think on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To consider or reflect on something; also used in the phrase 'think on your feet' meaning to respond quickly and cleverly.
In plain English
To think carefully about something, or to think quickly in a tough situation.
What does "think on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
In the phrase 'think on one's feet': to respond quickly and effectively to an unexpected situation without time to prepare.
"A good lawyer has to be able to think on their feet when the judge asks an unexpected question."
“
You need to be able to think on your feet in this job.
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place your thinking on top of something.
Actually means
To think carefully about something, or to think quickly in a tough situation.
Usage tip
The bare form 'think on something' is chiefly British dialect and somewhat old-fashioned. However, the fixed expression 'think on your feet' is very common in standard modern English worldwide and is its most frequent use.
Words that pair with "think on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
feet problem matter issue question advice
How to conjugate "think on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
think on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
thinks on
he/she/it
Past simple
thought on
yesterday
Past participle
thought on
have + pp
-ing form
thinking on
continuous
Hear "think on" in the wild
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