Phrase guide

have in mind

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To consider, to contemplate, to intend.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • That's not what I had in mind, but I'll take it.
  • I had in mind going shopping this afternoon.
  • I had in mind to go shopping.
  • I had your birthday in mind when I went shopping.
  • I had in mind your birthday when I went shopping.
  • I had it in mind to buy you a present.
  • I had in mind buying you a present when I went to the store.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

intend to refer to

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I'm thinking of good food when I talk about France
  • Yes, I meant you when I complained about people who gossip!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: think of, mean

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: associate, tie in, relate, link, colligate, link up, connect

Narrower terms: mention, advert, bring up, cite, name, refer

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: in gedachte hebben — consider, intend
  • Finnish: olla mielessä — consider, intend
  • French: avoir en tête — consider, intend
  • Hungarian: gondol — consider, intend
  • Italian: avere in mente — consider, intend
  • Polish: mieć na myśli — consider, intend
  • Russian: име́ть в виду́ (imétʹ v vidú) — consider, intend
  • Yiddish: האָבן אין זינען (hobn in zinen) — consider, intend