A WORD A DAY.
IDEA. Although many consider this word difficult to define adequately, it is generally conceded to be an image or picture formed in consciousness through perceptions of sight. The Greek idein is translated to see, and it is accepted as true that the mental vision is the truest seeing. Plato presented an interesting conception when he said that ideas were patterns existing in divine intelligence—of which all material forms and embodiments were but objectifications. The modern use of this word is simple compared with the paradox involved in Plato’s conception (assigning a spiritual causation of matter), and touches it only-at the point of considering an idea as mental rather than physical.
Popularly it is used as synonymous with thought, conception, opinion, or fancy, although its use to denote a reflection of mind is one which is strictly accurate. Accent the second syllable, i-de-a. Sound the i as in ice,- e as in eve, a as in sofa “And thy bright radiant eyes shall plainly see Th’idee (idea) of his pure glorie.” " .. —Spenser.
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Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 21218, 20 October 1930, Page 8
Word Count
175A WORD A DAY. Southland Times, Issue 21218, 20 October 1930, Page 8
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