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

He also assumes that Robin will jump at the chance of joining him on a binge of tourist spots, a notion Robin dismisses with disbelief bordering on disgust.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The layoffs have challenged the notion that engineering jobs are a safe and sure path to success, perhaps in a way not since the first tech bust.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lahey underscored the notion that lower-income people are more likely to retire at age 62 because they tend to be in jobs that are more physically demanding and they tend to have worse health.

Read more on MarketWatch

“People have that notion that all campuses are in the same category as MIT, Harvard, Stanford” with their impossibly low acceptance rates, Cordon said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Laughing at the notion of feeling he has to justify how he spent those years, he adds, “I have such a defensive rap now.”

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.