Definition of the word think about

The phrase "think about" dates back to the 14th century, when it was first recorded in Middle English. At that time, the phrase was spelled "thynke on" and meant "to consider or ponder something seriously." The origin of the word "think" in this context can be traced back to the Old English word "þencan," which meant "to weigh, consider, or examine." This word derived from the Old Norse verb "þekka," which also had the meanings "to weigh" and "to consider." Over time, "þencan" developed into the Middle English word "thynken," and then into the modern English word "think." The prefix "a" in "about" was added to this phrase during the 14th century. It came from the Old English word "æbbe" or "æbfreo," which meant "around" or "about." By the time the phrase was recorded in Middle English, the spelling had been simplified to "aboute." In summary, "think about" is a combination of two ancient words that have been fused together to create a modern-day English phrasal verb. The meaning of the phrase has remained consistent over the centuries, encouraging people to take a serious and deliberate look at something in order to form a thoughtful opinion or plan.