notion

[noh-shuhn]

noun

1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something.

   a notion of how something should be done.

2. an opinion, view, or belief.

   That's his notion, not mine.

3. conception or idea.

   his notion of democracy.

4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim.

   She had a notion to swim in the winter.

5. an ingenious article, device, or contrivance; knickknack.

6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items, especially such items displayed together for sale, as in a department store.

notion

/ ˈnəʊʃən /

noun

1. a vague idea; impression

2. an idea, concept, or opinion

3. an inclination or whim

Other Word Forms

• notionless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of notion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of notion¹

C16: from Latin nōtiō a becoming acquainted (with), examination (of), from noscere to know

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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Twice jilted, Rangers are putting out the notion that they might still get back together sometime in the future.

Read more on BBC

There is an oppressive notion that anyone not in a happy family has failed at life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday, before the Dodgers lost their only game this postseason, third baseman Max Muncy scoffed at the notion the team was hitting on all cylinders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the same time, the notion of Hamas having any power seems untenable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approach 
• assumption 
• concept 
• conception 
• image 
• impression 
• knowledge 
• opinion 
• perception 
• sentiment 
• suggestion 
• thought 
• understanding 
• view 

When To Use

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.