notion

American  

[noh-shuhn] / ˈnoʊ ʃən /

noun

• notions
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• notionless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• notions
  plural

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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; see notify, -ion

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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

See Examples For:

notion notions

Mr. Marriott christens this era “the new Dark Ages,” but the amount of reading that he admits takes place negates his notion of a “post-literate” society.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Ultra-Orthodox residents reject the notion that they are taking over the city.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

But then, Lorre’s notion of comedy is old-school, relying more on character than plot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

This was all watched by an impassive City chief executive Ferran Soriano, but any notion their fans would turn on the owners was dispelled by a flag reading: 'In Khaldoon We Trust.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026

One day Buddy got a notion that he thought was funny.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

They beautifully elucidate Herzog’s complex notions of loneliness, reminding us that the heart’s desire to cling to something familiar and safe can also be its undoing.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

The book starts with a quick tour of psychoanalytic notions about the urge to collect.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Pacific security researcher Maima Koro said typical notions of give-and-take diplomacy missed the point.

From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026

Then come the notions and hardware, like earring posts, beads and crystal accents, that complete the transformation from fleeting flora to lasting adornment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

Although our apparently commonsense notions work well when dealing with things like apples, or planets that travel comparatively slowly, they don’t work at all for things moving at or near the speed of light.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

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Related Words

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

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