əˌpɹɒksɪˈmeɪʃn əˌpɹɑksɪˈmeɪʃn ˈɛstɨmɨt ɛstɪˈmeɪʃən aɪˈdɪə aɪˈdi.ə ɑeˈdiə̯ maɪnd θiːm θɔːt θɔt an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth an estimate of what it would cost a rough idea how long it would take the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about it was not a good idea the thought never entered my mind a personal view he has an idea that we don't like him your intention; what you intend to do he had in mind to see his old teacher the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces (music) melodic subject of a musical composition the theme is announced in the first measures the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it