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preconceive

[ pree-kuhn-seev ]

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.


preconceive

/ ˌpriːkənˈsiːv /

verb

  1. tr to form an idea of beforehand; conceive of ahead in time
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of preconceive1

First recorded in 1570–80; pre- + conceive
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Example Sentences

Knowing Burroughs' work, through his other books “Naked Lunch” or “The Yagé Letters,” I had a preconceived notion of what the world of Burroughs was like, narratively.

From Salon

VAME's deep learning platform is unlike conventional behavioral tests in mice, which often center around preconceived tasks that the animals are challenged to complete.

And when she meets Fiyero, she says the same thing, but is caught off guard when she realizes he had none of those preconceived notions and didn’t want to ask any of those questions.

“I had all these preconceived notions growing up in the church. They’re perceived as a threat, you know, their lifestyles.”

"I wanted a character that was not going to be pigeonholed by preconceived notions about what I can or cannot do," she said.

From Salon

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More About Preconceive

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.

Where does preconceive come from?

The first records of the term preconceive come from around 1570. It combines the prefix pre, meaning “before,” and the word conceive, meaning “to form” or “to believe.” When someone preconceives something, they form an opinion about it before they have even come into contact with it.

Preconceive is nearly always used in a negative context. Even when talking about themselves, people use preconceive to discuss a situation in which their biases or assumptions affect how they view something. It’s always better to judge things based on facts or experiences rather than assumptions. You never know—you might find your new favorite thing by trying it!

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for preconceive?

What are some words that share a root or word element with preconceive?

What are some words that often get used in discussing preconceive?

How is preconceive used in real life?

People use preconceive to mean to form an opinion or idea ahead of time.

 

 

Try using preconceive!

Is the following sentence a correct use of preconceive?

You shouldn’t preconceive ideas about a person before you meet them.

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