The phrase "thought hard" is spelled with a silent "gh" sound which can be confusing to non-native English speakers. The phonetic transcription of this word is /θɔːt hɑːd/. The "th" sound is unvoiced, produced by placing the tip of the tongue on the lower teeth and blowing air through the teeth. The "ou" diphthong is pronounced as a long "o" sound followed by a short "u" sound. The "gh" is silent and the final "t" sound is unvoiced, produced by releasing a quick puff of air.
"Thought hard" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of intensely pondering or contemplating something. It involves engaging in deep mental reflection, concentration, and mental exertion to actively try to solve a problem, make a decision, or understand a complex concept. This phrase implies exerting cognitive effort to reach a conclusion or generate ideas, often indicating a challenging mental task ahead.
When someone is asked to "think hard," it suggests the need for a thorough analysis, critical thinking, and logical reasoning to arrive at an informed conclusion or to provide a well-thought-out response. It suggests a higher level of mental engagement than ordinary thinking, requiring individuals to explore various perspectives, consider multiple possibilities, and delve into their memories or knowledge base to find a solution or provide an insightful answer.
Thinking hard often involves an individual's undivided attention, focused mental energy, and concentration, as it requires conscious processing and mental effort. People are encouraged to "think hard" when faced with difficult puzzles, complicated problems, or profound philosophical questions, aiming to exhaust their cognitive abilities to tap into their full potential for insight, creativity, and problem-solving.
In summary, the phrase "thought hard" captures the practice of deep contemplation, concentration, and mental exertion intended to grapple with challenging problems or generate intellectual insights. It signifies a deliberate and focused effort to engage in profound thinking to tackle complex issues or reach a comprehensive understanding of a subject matter.