English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Lost in thought

Meaning

The idiom "lost in thought" means to be preoccupied or occupied with a particular idea or task, often to the point of being unaware of one's surroundings or what is happening around them. It can also mean being absent-minded or daydreaming.

Usage

  • John was lost in thought while studying for his exams. He barely noticed when his friends knocked on his door.
  • During the presentation, Sarah was lost in thought and didn't pay attention to what the speaker was saying.
  • When I walked into the room, I saw Jane sitting at her desk, lost in thought. She didn't even notice me until I spoke to her.
  • After hearing the news, Mark became lost in thought and didn't want to talk to anyone for a while.
  • As we drove down the highway, Tom was lost in thought about his future career path. We hardly spoke a word.

Roots and History

The idiom "lost in thought" has been used since at least the 16th century in English. One of the earliest known uses of this phrase can be found in the book "A Dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect All the Prouerbes in the Englishe Tongue" by John Heywood, published in 1546. The idiom was likely used to describe someone who was so absorbed in their thoughts that they had lost touch with reality. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of meanings and usages. Today, it is commonly used to describe someone who is daydreaming or absent-minded, as well as those who are deeply engaged in a particular task or idea.

Synonyms in English

  • Preoccupied
  • Occupied
  • Daydreaming
  • Absent-minded
  • Deep in thought

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: "Perdu en pensée"
  • Spanish: "Engañado/a por la fantasía"
  • German: "In Träumen verloren"
  • Italian: "Sconfitto nel pensiero"
  • Chinese: "失去心境"

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