idé

idé is the word for “idea” in several Scandinavian languages, notably Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish. In these languages, idé denotes a mental representation, plan, or concept that can serve as the starting point for thought, discussion, or action. It is used for a thought, a proposal, or a nascent plan, and it forms the basis for many combinations related to creativity, planning, and innovation.

Etymology and orthography: idé comes from the Latin idea, itself from the Greek eidos (appearance, form). The term reached Western European languages through Old French as idée and was incorporated into Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish with the modern spelling idé, typically marked by an acute accent on the final e, which reflects its pronunciation in these languages.

Usage and context: In everyday speech,idé appears in a wide range of contexts—from casual talk about plans to formal discussions of concepts and theories. It participates in compound words and phrases related to thinking, design, and strategy, and it also serves as the direct cognate of the English word idea and the French idée in multilingual discourse.

See also: idea, idée, Idee.