The difference between Clue and Idea

When used as nouns, clue means a strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth, whereas idea means an abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations.


Clue is also verb with the meaning: to provide with a clue.

check bellow for the other definitions of Clue and Idea

  1. Clue as a noun (now, _, rare):

    A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.

  2. Clue as a noun:

    Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.

  3. Clue as a noun:

    An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.

  4. Clue as a noun (slang):

    Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick)

  1. Clue as a verb:

    To provide with a clue.

    Examples:

    "The crossword compiler wasn't sure how to clue the word "should"."

  2. Clue as a verb:

    To provide someone with information which he or she lacks (often used with "in" or "up").

    Examples:

    "Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening."

  1. Idea as a noun (philosophy):

    An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.

  2. Idea as a noun (obsolete):

    The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.

  3. Idea as a noun (obsolete):

    The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.

  4. Idea as a noun:

    An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.

    Examples:

    "The mere idea of you is enough to excite me."

  5. Idea as a noun:

    More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.

  6. Idea as a noun:

    A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an .

    Examples:

    "I have an idea of how we might escape."

  7. Idea as a noun:

    A purposeful aim or goal; intent

    Examples:

    "If you keep sweet-talking her like that, you're going to talk her right out of her pants."

  8. Idea as a noun:

    A vague or fanciful ; a feeling or hunch; an impression.

    Examples:

    "He had the wild idea that if he leant forward a little, he might be able to touch the mountain-top."

  9. Idea as a noun (music):

    A musical theme or melodic subject.

Compare words: