think of

think of

1. To consider something; to have something as a possible plan or idea. I'm thinking of dying my hair pink—is that too extreme? I thought of that solution, but it just wouldn't work with our current schedule.
2. To bring into existence as a thought. I thought of a brilliant idea for a story just as I was going to sleep, but I couldn't remember it when I woke up. A: "What are we going to do?" B: "Just give me a minute, I'll think of something."
3. To recall someone or something. I always think of my first girlfriend whenever I hear this song. Seeing the kids having so much fun in the pool like that makes me think of my own childhood in summertime.
4. To consider the wellbeing of someone or something while or before one does something. I know you're angry, Jack, but think of your kids—don't let them grow up without a father! I'm sorry, but I've got to think about my family and what's best for them, so I'm afraid I can't remain in the business any longer.
5. To hold a particular opinion about someone or something. In this usage, an adverb is used between "think" and "of." I can tell your last boss thinks very highly of you, judging from the reference letter she wrote for you. I could tell the board thought ill of my proposal.
See also: of, think
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

think something of someone or something

to hold a particular kind of opinion of someone or something; to hold someone or something in a particular kind of regard. (Such as ill, good, highly, bad, much, a lot, a great deal.) Please don't think ill of me. It was a silly mistake. That's all. We think quite highly of your plan.
See also: of, think

think of someone or something

to contemplate someone or something. I think of you whenever I go to the restaurant where we used to eat. Whenever I see a rainbow, I think of Susan.
See also: of, think
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

think of

v.
1. To weigh or consider some idea: I'm thinking of moving to New York.
2. To bring some thought to mind by imagination or invention: No one thought of that idea before I did.
3. To recall some thought or image to mind: I thought of my childhood when I saw the movie.
4. To consider something to be of some quality. Used with an adverb: My friend thinks highly of your writing and wants to meet you. I hope they don't think badly of me for being so late.
5. To have care or consideration for someone or something: You should think of your family when you choose a place to go on vacation.
See also: of, think
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • all right
  • (something) is one thing, (something else) is (quite) another
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a thing of the past
  • a slew of (something)
References in periodicals archive
Think of the problems that were facing humanity during the Dark Ages--endless difficulties.
Who's afraid of human enhancement? A reason debate on the promise, perils, and ethics of human biotechnology
Another open-ended question asked the sixth graders: "How many different ways can you think of to resolve a conflict?" Before the program, responses were relatively simple and undeveloped.
A media literacy project on violence and conflict
Fowle: But think of all the senators and congressmen that are going to be pushing the other way.
Annual review & forecast
I think of current doubts I have, and my response to them reminds me of a bulls-eye target.
Putting faith in doubt
Typically, when you think of PACs you think of corporate PACs, but a much less powerful but still important sector is those public interest environmental, peace and women's issues PACs.
Reforming elections: two green views
He also notes the individuality of student needs and consequent user behavior in relation to libraries and bemoans the fact that most librarians and academics, if they think of books and libraries in relation to students, generally concentrate on the issue of adding correct titles to the reserve collection.
Sustaining the culture of the book: the role of enrichment reading and critical thinking in the undergraduate curriculum
And we still have to think of the hundreds of different kinds of pager standards there are so we can page an officer in the field.
The promise and the peril
We tended in the '80s to think of machinery as separate from the electronics, intelligence and information.
The nineties roundtable: processors talk to materials and machinery suppliers about their future roles
One thing I can think of that was pretty good timing was when you got on Zero.
Erik Ellington: the thrasher interview
But my interest at MOMA was in what it means to stand within the museum, to look at the so-called reality outside, and to think of the window as a kind of interface.
In conversation: Daniel Buren & Olafur Eliasson
When you think of On the Waterfront and imagine working America going to the cinema on the weekend and seeing this god.
Rupert's return: coming back to The Advocate after a nearly seven-year absence, Rupert Everett talks about playing Stage Beauty's king in drag, trying to make a gay James Bond movie, and killing John Schlesinger
reason: What do you think of the conservative argument that there really can't be morality without religious belief?
Transcendental goods: Charles Murray discusses art, accomplishment, faith, and doubt
Students were asked to think of popular slogans (e.g., Tony the Tiger's "They'rrrrr Grrrreeat) and spokes-characters (e.g., Toucan Sam) used to promote cereal.
Introducing second graders to media literacy
Baraka: I mean that's the only way I think of writing.
Amiri Baraka analyzes how he writes
I think of it as at home, for example, among members of my congregation in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, when we have to make decisions about our new pastor's housing and the like.
Stanley Hauerwas: An interview