Idea vs. Suggestion — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 11, 2024
An idea is a thought or concept that exists in the mind, while a suggestion is a proposal offered to others for consideration.
Difference Between Idea and Suggestion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An idea is an individual's mental creation that represents a thought, concept, or innovation, often stemming from creativity or cognitive processes, whereas a suggestion is a recommendation or proposal put forth to someone else, typically aiming to influence decision-making or action. Ideas can exist solely within one's mind without being communicated, while suggestions inherently involve the act of sharing or proposing them to others.
Ideas can be broad, encompassing a range of concepts from simple thoughts to complex theories, while suggestions are more specific, directed towards a particular action, solution, or decision. An idea might inspire a suggestion, but a suggestion is the act of formally presenting that idea to others for consideration.
The value of an idea lies in its originality and potential for innovation, whereas the value of a suggestion is often measured by its feasibility and the impact it can have on improving a situation or solving a problem. Ideas can be the seed for inventions, art, and theories, while suggestions are practical steps or advice aimed at achieving a specific outcome.
Ideas are often developed and refined in a solitary or theoretical context, reflecting personal insights or imaginative thinking. On the other hand, suggestions are typically shared in a collaborative or social context, intended to prompt discussion, feedback, or action from others.
While an idea can remain abstract and untested, a suggestion usually calls for evaluation, consideration, or implementation. This difference highlights the dynamic between thought and action, where ideas represent the realm of possibility and suggestions bridge the gap towards realization.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A thought or concept formed in the mind.
A proposal offered for consideration or action.
Origin
Comes from individual creativity or cognitive processes.
Derived from ideas, aimed at influencing decisions or actions.
Scope
Can be broad, ranging from simple thoughts to complex theories.
More specific, often aimed at a particular action or solution.
Value
Lies in originality and potential for innovation.
Measured by feasibility and potential impact on improvement.
Context
Developed and refined individually or theoretically.
Shared in a collaborative or social setting to prompt action.
Compare with Definitions
Idea
A concept or mental impression formed by the mind.
The idea of a solar-powered car came to her while studying renewable energy sources.
Suggestion
Requires communication with others.
She made a suggestion during the meeting to consider alternative suppliers.
Idea
Can be kept private or shared.
She jotted down her idea in a notebook, unsure of sharing it.
Suggestion
A recommendation or advice given to others.
His suggestion to improve workflow efficiency was well received.
Idea
Can be the basis for creative or innovative work.
His latest painting was inspired by the idea of interconnectedness.
Suggestion
Can lead to immediate evaluation or implementation.
The suggestion to use biodegradable packaging was quickly adopted.
Idea
Serves as a foundation for further development or discussion.
The idea sparked a lively debate among the team members.
Suggestion
Often implies a course of action or a solution to a problem.
The manager's suggestion was to delegate tasks more effectively.
Idea
Not necessarily intended for immediate action.
The idea of colonizing Mars is fascinating, yet far from realization.
Suggestion
Aimed at influencing or persuading others.
The consultant's suggestion for a new marketing strategy was persuasive.
Idea
The aim or purpose
I took a job with the idea of getting some money together
Suggestion
Suggestion is the psychological process by which one person guides the thoughts, feelings, or behavior of another person. Nineteenth-century writers on psychology such as William James used the words "suggest" and "suggestion" in the context of a particular idea which was said to suggest another when it brought that other idea to mind.
Idea
In common usage and in philosophy, ideas are abstract concepts. Also in philosophy, ideas can also be mental representational images of some object.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting
Bought the book at my suggestion.
Idea
A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action
Recently, the idea of linking pay to performance has caught on
It's a good idea to do some research before you go
Suggestion
Something suggested
Are you going to follow my suggestions?.
Idea
(in Platonic thought) an eternally existing pattern of which individual things in any class are imperfect copies.
Suggestion
The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.
Idea
Something, such as a thought or conception, that is the product of mental activity.
Suggestion
A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.
Idea
An opinion, conviction, or principle
Has some strange political ideas.
Suggestion
An idea or response so induced.
Idea
A plan, purpose, or goal
She started school with the idea of becoming a doctor.
Suggestion
A hint or trace
Just a suggestion of makeup.
The first suggestion of trouble ahead.
Idea
The gist or significance
The idea of the article is that investing in green technology can save you money in the long run.
Suggestion
(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)
I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.
Make a suggestion
Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.
Idea
A sense that something can happen; a notion or expectation
They have this idea that we can just drop what we're doing and go to the park.
Suggestion
(uncountable) The act of suggesting.
Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.
Idea
(Music) A theme or motif.
Suggestion
Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.
He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.
Idea
In the philosophy of Plato, a non-physical form or archetype to which beings in phenomenal reality correspond only as imperfect replicas.
Suggestion
The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.
Idea
In the philosophy of Kant, a concept of reason that is transcendent but nonempirical.
Suggestion
Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.
Idea
In the philosophy of Hegel, absolute truth; the complete and ultimate product of reason.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.
Idea
(Obsolete) A mental image of something remembered.
Suggestion
That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.
Why do I yield to that suggestion?
Idea
(philosophy) An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
Suggestion
Charge; complaint; accusation.
Idea
(obsolete) The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.
Suggestion
The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.
Idea
(obsolete) The form or shape of something; a quintessential aspect or characteristic.
Suggestion
An idea that is suggested;
The picnic was her suggestion
Idea
An image of an object that is formed in the mind or recalled by the memory.
The mere idea of you is enough to excite me.
Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
Idea
More generally, any result of mental activity; a thought, a notion; a way of thinking.
Suggestion
A just detectable amount;
He speaks French with a trace of an accent
Idea
A conception in the mind of something to be done; a plan for doing something, an intention.
I have an idea of how we might escape.
Suggestion
Persuasion formulated as a suggestion
Idea
A purposeful aim or goal; intent
Yeah, that's the idea.
Suggestion
The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
Idea
A vague or fanciful notion; a feeling or hunch; an impression.
He had the wild idea that if he leant forward a little, he might be able to touch the mountain-top.
Suggestion
The act of inducing hypnosis
Idea
(music) A musical theme or melodic subject.
Idea
The transcript, image, or picture of a visible object, that is formed by the mind; also, a similar image of any object whatever, whether sensible or spiritual.
Her sweet idea wandered through his thoughts.
Being the right idea of your fatherBoth in your form and nobleness of mind.
This representation or likeness of the object being transmitted from thence [the senses] to the imagination, and lodged there for the view and observation of the pure intellect, is aptly and properly called its idea.
Idea
A general notion, or a conception formed by generalization.
Alice had not the slightest idea what latitude was.
Idea
Hence: Any object apprehended, conceived, or thought of, by the mind; a notion, conception, or thought; the real object that is conceived or thought of.
Whatsoever the mind perceives in itself, or as the immediate object of perception, thought, or undersanding, that I call idea.
Idea
A belief, option, or doctrine; a characteristic or controlling principle; as, an essential idea; the idea of development.
That fellow seems to me to possess but one idea, and that is a wrong one.
What is now "idea" for us? How infinite the fall of this word, since the time where Milton sang of the Creator contemplating his newly-created world, -"how it showed . . . Answering his great idea," -to its present use, when this person "has an idea that the train has started," and the other "had no idea that the dinner would be so bad!"
Idea
A plan or purpose of action; intention; design.
I shortly afterwards set off for that capital, with an idea of undertaking while there the translation of the work.
Idea
A rational conception; the complete conception of an object when thought of in all its essential elements or constituents; the necessary metaphysical or constituent attributes and relations, when conceived in the abstract.
Idea
A fiction object or picture created by the imagination; the same when proposed as a pattern to be copied, or a standard to be reached; one of the archetypes or patterns of created things, conceived by the Platonists to have excited objectively from eternity in the mind of the Deity.
Thence to behold this new-created world,The addition of his empire, how it showedIn prospect from his throne, how good, how fair,Answering his great idea.
Idea
The content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about;
It was not a good idea
The thought never entered my mind
Idea
A personal view;
He has an idea that we don't like him
Idea
An approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth;
An estimate of what it would cost
A rough idea how long it would take
Idea
Your intention; what you intend to do;
He had in mind to see his old teacher
The idea of the game is to capture all the pieces
Idea
(music) melodic subject of a musical composition;
The theme is announced in the first measures
The accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it
Common Curiosities
What is an idea?
An idea is a concept or mental image formed in the mind.
What is a suggestion?
A suggestion is a recommendation or proposal given to others for consideration.
Can an idea become a suggestion?
Yes, when an idea is shared with others as a proposal or recommendation, it becomes a suggestion.
Do suggestions always require action?
Suggestions often imply a course of action, but the action itself is at the discretion of the person receiving the suggestion.
Are all suggestions practical?
Suggestions are typically aimed at being practical, but their feasibility can vary based on context and resources.
How important is communication in making suggestions?
Effective communication is crucial in ensuring suggestions are understood and considered by others.
How do ideas and suggestions differ?
Ideas are internal thoughts or concepts, while suggestions are ideas presented to others for action or consideration.
Is a suggestion always based on an idea?
Generally, yes; suggestions are usually based on ideas that are then communicated to others.
Can an idea exist without being shared?
Yes, ideas can exist solely within an individual's mind without being communicated.
What role do suggestions play in a team?
Suggestions help in collaborative problem-solving and decision-making, allowing for a variety of perspectives.
Do all ideas lead to action?
Not all ideas lead to action; some may serve as inspiration or theoretical exploration without immediate implementation.
How do ideas contribute to creativity?
Ideas are the foundation of creative thinking and innovation, leading to new inventions, art, and solutions.
Can suggestions be rejected?
Yes, suggestions can be rejected if they are not deemed feasible or suitable for the situation.
Can anyone make a suggestion?
Yes, anyone can offer a suggestion, regardless of their position or expertise.
Are ideas subject to evaluation?
Ideas are often evaluated when they are developed into suggestions and presented for consideration.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
