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preconceived notion

American  
[pree-kuhn-seevd noh-shuhn] / ˈpri kənˌsivd ˈnoʊ ʃən /

noun

  1. an idea or judgment about something formed before encountering any evidence or firsthand information.

    It’s important to note the obstacles, but we don't want to begin with the preconceived notion that this project is simply undoable.

    Even back then, she wasn’t deterred by the naysayers and their preconceived notions about what careers women could or couldn't have.

Etymology

Origin of preconceived notion

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We have a preconceived notion that diamonds are so unique. They're hard to come by on the Earth's surface," Arianna Gleason, one of the study authors, told Salon at the time.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2023

Laz Alonso recalled his days as an aspiring actor trying to break into the industry with the preconceived notion that all actors were rich.

From Reuters • Jul. 4, 2023

Jurors are supposed to assess the case on its merits, not their preconceived notion of the defendant.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2023

“Fabric of a Nation” also subverts the preconceived notion of quilting as a pointedly gendered practice.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2022

She knew nothing about Starmidge, and she thought him quite different to any preconceived notion which she had ever had of men of his calling.

From The Chestermarke Instinct by Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.