Definition of think of

The phrase "think of" has its origins in the Old English language, where it was written as "þencan Ēogene" or "thancan īegene." The verb "þencan" meant "to consider" or "to reflect upon," and it was commonly followed by the preposition "on" or "upon," which is where the modern prefix "of" comes from. Over time, the preposition "on" or "upon" gradually disappeared in the Middle English period (1100-1476), leaving behind just the verb "think" and the word "of," which now stand in its place in modern English. The original meaning of "think of" has also evolved to encompass a variety of meanings, including "imagine," "remember," or "associate with," depending on the context in which it is used. The exact reason for this evolution is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be a reflection of the way the English language has changed over time, as well as the way our understanding of how the mind works has evolved. In any event, "think of" remains a versatile and valuable part of the English language, allowing us to express a wide range of ideas and concepts with relative ease and clarity. In summary, the phrase "think of" can trace its origins back to the Old English verb "þencan" and the preposition "on," which together conveyed the meaning of "to consider" or "to reflect upon." Over time, this usage has evolved, and today the phrase has taken on a broader and more complex range of meanings.