1 B2 neutral
To plan or consider something completely and carefully, paying attention to all details.
"Before you present the proposal, make sure you've thought it out properly."
separable
think out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To consider all the details of a plan or problem carefully in order to reach a clear conclusion or solution.
In plain English
To think about all the parts of something until you have a complete plan or answer.
What does "think out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
Used in the form 'well thought out' (adjective): carefully and thoroughly planned.
"The marketing campaign was well thought out and produced excellent results."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extract thinking fully out of something until nothing remains unconsidered.
Actually means
To think about all the parts of something until you have a complete plan or answer.
Usage tip
Often used in the passive ('well thought out') to describe a plan that has been carefully prepared. 'A well-thought-out strategy' is a very common collocation in business and academic writing.
Words that pair with "think out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plan strategy solution approach argument response
How to conjugate "think out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
think out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
thinks out
he/she/it
Past simple
thought out
yesterday
Past participle
thought out
have + pp
-ing form
thinking out
continuous
Hear "think out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "think out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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