chain of thought
Linked mental steps
Chain of thought is a reasoning process where each step follows logically from the previous one, making the path from question to answer visible.
The term gained currency in artificial intelligence, where prompting a model to show its chain of thought—rather than jump straight to an answer—often improves accuracy: Let's work through this step by step.
The phrase emphasizes sequential, traceable reasoning over intuitive leaps.
- argumentationSystematic reasoning process
- explanationStatement making something clear
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- narrationVerbal account delivery
- deductionConclusion from premises
syllogism · inference · concentration · sequence · causality · connecting the dots · premise · elaboration · dialogue · inner monologue · debate · analysis · working through · conclusion · step by step · creativity · storytelling · mindfulness
chain of thoughtgut feeling
Instinctive sense about something
flash of insight · intuitive leap · snap judgment · instinct · hunch
chain of thoughtintuition
Instinctive immediate understanding
gut instinct · emotional reasoning · pattern recognition · visceral response · muscle memory
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