preconceived notion

American  

[pree-kuhn-seevd noh-shuhn] / ˈpri kənˌsivd ˈnoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. an idea or judgment about something formed before encountering any evidence or firsthand information.

   It’s important to note the obstacles, but we don't want to begin with the preconceived notion that this project is simply undoable.

   Even back then, she wasn’t deterred by the naysayers and their preconceived notions about what careers women could or couldn't have.

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Etymology

Origin of preconceived notion

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

There’s an upside for Dyer, too: “It helps that I’m not so plugged in to America’s relationship to the DMV. I don’t have a preconceived notion that people think the place is terrible.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

"We have a preconceived notion that diamonds are so unique. They're hard to come by on the Earth's surface," Arianna Gleason, one of the study authors, told Salon at the time.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2023

Laz Alonso recalled his days as an aspiring actor trying to break into the industry with the preconceived notion that all actors were rich.

From Reuters • Jul. 4, 2023

Jurors are supposed to assess the case on its merits, not their preconceived notion of the defendant.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2023

Her preconceived notion of the place soon wore off, however, under a growing sense of venerable solidity, of a quiet magnificence that was a revelation to her.

From The White Terror and The Red A novel of revolutionary Russia by Cahan, Abraham

Related Words

• preconception