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

Word History and Origins

Origin of preconceive¹

First recorded in 1570–80; pre- + conceive

Example Sentences

There’s an upside for Dyer, too: “It helps that I’m not so plugged in to America’s relationship to the DMV. I don’t have a preconceived notion that people think the place is terrible.”

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Two years later she has signed an contract extension at Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad and wants to challenge preconceived notions from the western world about Saudi Arabia and what life is like for a female athlete.

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Neither Raymond nor I came in with any preconceived ideas whatsoever.

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Tillman: I really just allow the page to inform me, you know, try not to have any preconceived notions of where you think it’s going to go and just lean into the circumstances.

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That theme eventually smooths the unjust twists in a case propelled by preconceived notions and a hunger for villainy that boosts ratings and magazine circulations.

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When To Use

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.