verb

penser

think

Utiliser son esprit pour réfléchir, imaginer ou se faire une opinion sur quelque chose.

The French word penser is a verb that primarily means "to think."

Meaning:

To think: It refers to the act of using one's mind to consider, reflect, or have an opinion about something.
- Example: Je pense à mes vacances. (I am thinking about my vacation.)

Parts:

It is a regular -er verb, which means it follows the standard conjugation pattern of French verbs ending in -er.
Verb stem: pens-
Example conjugation in present tense:
- Je pense (I think)
- Tu penses (You think)
- Il/Elle pense (He/She thinks)
- Nous pensons (We think)
- Vous pensez (You think - formal or plural)
- Ils/Elles pensent (They think)

Synonyms:

réfléchir (to reflect or think carefully)
méditer (to meditate or ponder)
croire (to believe - although belief can differ from thinking)

Antonyms:

oublier (to forget, can be considered an opposite as it involves not thinking about something)
ignorer (to ignore or be unaware, meaning lack of thinking about)

Other nuances:

Penser can also mean to plan or to intend, in a context where someone is considering doing something.
- Example: Je pense partir demain. (I intend to leave tomorrow.)

In summary, penser is about mental activity—holding thoughts, having opinions, or making plans—and is fundamental in expressing cognition or intention in French.