think highly of
/θɪŋk ˈhaɪli ɒv/
Meaning
To have a very good opinion of someone or to respect them deeply. It is commonly used when discussing professional relationships, friendships, or mentorships to show that you value someone's character or abilities.
Examples
-
My boss thinks highly of you and wants you to lead the new project.
My boss thinks highly of you and wants you to lead the new project.
-
I've always thought highly of Sarah; she is incredibly reliable.
I've always thought highly of Sarah; she is incredibly reliable.
-
It is clear that the students think highly of their history teacher.
It is clear that the students think highly of their history teacher.
-
Even though they disagreed, he still thought highly of her intellect.
Even though they disagreed, he still thought highly of her intellect.
-
She speaks so well of him; she must think highly of him.
She speaks so well of him; she must think highly of him.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ I think very high of my mentor.
✓ I think very highly of my mentor.
Use the adverb 'highly' instead of the adjective 'high' to modify the verb 'think'.
-
✗ She thinks highly about her doctor.
✓ She thinks highly of her doctor.
The correct preposition to use with this idiom is 'of', not 'about'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
My parents _______________ your brother because he is so polite.
💡 respect and have a good opinion of
Show answer
think highly of
-
If they didn't _______________ you, they wouldn't have offered you the job.
💡 value your abilities
Show answer
think highly of