idén

Idén is the definite form of the Swedish noun idé, meaning an idea, a mental representation, a plan, or a notion. In everyday language it can refer to any conceived thought or proposal, for example en ny idé or idén bakom projektet. The plural is idéer, and the definite plural is idéerna.

Etymology and scope: The word idé derives from the French idée, which in turn comes from Latin idea and Greek eidos, meaning form or seen. In Swedish, as in many European languages, it covers both a mental content and an imagined or conceived plan. The term is widely used across everyday speech, education, design, and debate.

Usage and context: In common speech idé covers abstract concepts as well as concrete proposals. In philosophy and cognitive science, an idé can denote a mental content or abstract notion; in design and innovation, an idé may be the seed of a product concept. In political and social discourse, idéer and ideologier (ideologies) are contrasted, with idé often referring to a specific plan or guiding principle rather than a complete system.

Related terms and compounds: The word appears in various compounds and phrases such as idéhistoria (history of ideas), idéutveckling (idea development), and ideologi (ideology). The distinction between an individual idé and broader ideologiska frameworks is common in Swedish discourse.

Overall, idén functions as a versatile term for both inner thoughts and outward proposals, central to discussions of creativity, reasoning, and communication.