The phrasal verb "think up" is commonly used in informal speech and writing, where it serves as a vibrant way to express the process of inventing or devising a solution, idea, or plan. It often appears in casual conversations and creative contexts, highlighting someone's ingenuity or quick wit when coming up with something novel. For instance, one might say, "She thought up a clever idea for the project," signifying the original and inventive nature of the idea generated. While "think up" is predominantly informal, it may occasionally find its place in formal contexts when the speaker or writer aims for a more conversational tone. It’s synonymous with "invent" or "devise," yet carries a slightly more spontaneous connotation, emphasizing the act of rapid or imaginative generation of concepts.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To conceive or devise an idea, plan, or solution through mental effort.
She had to think up a good excuse for missing the meeting.
He thought up a new recipe using leftover ingredients.
The team thought up a strategy to win the game.
The author thought up a unique plot for her next novel.