think the world of

English

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Verb

think the world of (third-person singular simple present thinks the world of, present participle thinking the world of, simple past and past participle thought the world of)

1. (transitive, idiomatic) To have a very high opinion of; to have a strong attachment to or affection for.

   Synonyms: admire, esteem, think a lot of

   • 1888, Louisa May Alcott, “May Flowers”, in A Garland for Girls:

     "I was so pleased I wanted to cry, for the children do love me, and run to me for everything now, and think the world of Sister."

   • 1900, Annie Fellows Johnston, “‘Found Out’”, in The Little Colonel’s House Party, Boston, Mass.: The Page Company, published February 1923, →OCLC, page 158:

     Those little souvenir spoons she sent up with the chocolate yesterday are perfect darlings. I think the world of mine.

   • 1984 April 9, “Medicine: Question: Who Will Play God?”, in Time‎^[1], New York, N.Y.: Time Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2009-07-31:

     I used to think the world of you, but I hate you for what you said," declared Lilian Bono, 76.

   • 2019, “Don’t Let Me Go”, in Cry, performed by Cigarettes After Sex:

     When I was young, I thought the world of you / You were all that I wanted then

Related terms

• mean the world to