notion
Americannoun
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a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something.
a notion of how something should be done.
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an opinion, view, or belief.
That's his notion, not mine.
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conception or idea.
his notion of democracy.
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a fanciful or foolish idea; whim.
She had a notion to swim in the winter.
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an ingenious article, device, or contrivance; knickknack.
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notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items, especially such items displayed together for sale, as in a department store.
noun
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a vague idea; impression
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an idea, concept, or opinion
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an inclination or whim
Usage
What are other ways to say notion? A notion is a vague or imperfect idea or a general understanding of something. How is it different from thought, conception, and idea? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
- notionless adjective
Etymology
Origin of notion
First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin nōtiōn- (stem of nōtiō ) “examination, idea,” equivalent to (g)nōt(us), past participle of (g)nōscere “to come to know” + -iōn- suffix forming nouns; notify, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Our research shows that beauty in mathematics is not only an aesthetic notion, but something with structural depth and efficiency," says Professor Heinrich Begehr.
From Science Daily
Luc Arrondel, a sports economics researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, highlighted the importance of the "notion of identity" for fans.
From Barron's
Public-health experts have pushed back on the notion that the U.S. should mirror Denmark, arguing that vaccination policies reflect each country’s distinct needs and priorities.
So it just offered a nice contrast to what we’re seeing on social and really reinforces this notion of the only thing you believe in is yourself.
I always hated that notion that there’s a character written a certain way, and you’re looking for someone that can fit that thing.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
