preconceive

American  

[pree-kuhn-seev] / ˌpri kənˈsiv /

verb (used with object)

preconceived, preconceiving

1. to form a conception or opinion of beforehand, as before seeing evidence or as a result of previously held prejudice.

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preconceive British  

/ ˌpriːkənˈsiːv /

verb

1. (tr) to form an idea of beforehand; conceive of ahead in time

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Usage

What does preconceive mean? Preconceive means to form an opinion or idea about something before you know anything factual or see any results, as in  I don’t preconceive ideas about foods I haven’t tried yet.Preconceive is almost always used in the past tense, as in Watching the film confirmed Raul’s preconceived belief that he would hate it.Preconceive often implies that the reason a person formed an opinion ahead of time is because they have biases or prejudices that are influencing them. For example, you might be biased against vegetables because you haven’t liked any of the ones you’ve tried so far. That bias might lead you to have a preconceived idea that you won’t like a vegetable you’ve never eaten before. But you’ll only know if you like it by trying it.Preconceive is commonly used in the phrase preconceived notions, as in The man’s preconceived notions about rap music prevented him from giving it a fair chance.

Etymology

Origin of preconceive

First recorded in 1570–80; pre- + conceive

Example Sentences

Investors are hopeful that he will channel the approach of Druckenmiller, who is relentless in trusting data, rather than preconceived beliefs.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Ms. Biss was always working, seeing beyond preconceived notions, soaking up experiences and writing about them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike the deliberate, premeditated approach of human engineers, the natural process for generating life has no preconceived plan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Villarreal: You’re working opposite Jacob Elordi, and I think a lot of people come in with preconceived notions about maybe who he is as an actor based on his past work.

From Los Angeles Times

While a paper’s methodology could be more or less rigorous, and data could be tortured into fitting preconceived conclusions, the falsification of an entire study was extraordinary.

From The Wall Street Journal