1 B1 informal
To invent or create a new idea, plan, or name through creative thinking.
"The team thought up a brilliant marketing slogan overnight."
separable
think up
B1 informal separable transitive
To invent or create something new through thought, especially an idea, plan, or excuse.
In plain English
To use your imagination to create a new idea or excuse.
What does "think up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To invent an excuse or false explanation.
"He thought up some story about his car breaking down to explain why he was late."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull an idea upward from your mind, as if lifting it into existence.
Actually means
To use your imagination to create a new idea or excuse.
Usage tip
Slightly informal; more common in spoken English. Often carries a positive connotation of creativity, but can also suggest something fabricated (an excuse). Common with 'idea', 'plan', 'name', and 'story'.
Words that pair with "think up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea plan excuse name solution story
How to conjugate "think up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
think up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
thinks up
he/she/it
Past simple
thought up
yesterday
Past participle
thought up
have + pp
-ing form
thinking up
continuous
Hear "think up" in the wild
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