notion

American  

[noh-shuhn] / ˈnoʊ ʃən /

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.

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notion British  

/ ˈnəʊʃən /

noun

1. a vague idea; impression

2. an idea, concept, or opinion

3. an inclination or whim

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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

Explanation

If you have a notion that you can swim across the ocean, you are probably wrong. A notion is an idea, often vague and sometimes fanciful. A notion is lighter than a theory and embraces a whimsy that a simple idea never could. You might have the notion that you can slow global warming by taking public transportation and reusing plastic bags. If you share a far-fetched idea with others, someone might respond with a "Where'd you get that notion?!" Notions can also refer to the buttons, thread, zippers, and pins necessary for sewing things. So if you have a notion to create your own Halloween costume, you better pick up some notions from the craft store.

Example Sentences

He also rejects the notion that there is a binary choice between providing well-paid employment and a decent safety net through the social security system.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

And after initially floating the notion of stepping in and providing insurance to ships through the U.S. government, the Trump administration soon walked away from the idea.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

But they also defy the conventional notion that an asset is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The Psychology of Women Quarterly study shows just how much the notion of chivalry is actually a myth.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

If the Bureau had acted on this notion, Regina Fischer might have actually become a counteragent, a spy, for the U.S. government.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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