It's the thought that counts? (8)
I believe the answer is:
numeracy
'thought that counts?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for numeracy that I've seen before include "Skill with mathematics" , "Cure many with basic knowledge and understanding of maths" , "Being able to count" .)