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.

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Etymology

Origin of preconceived notion

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

A lot of times guests came in with some sort of preconceived notion for how it would go and then had their minds changed just over the course of doing the interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

Anything that taints their preconceived notion of how they should be.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 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

"Sit down before a fact as a little child: be prepared to give up every preconceived notion: follow humbly wherever and to whatever abysses Nature leads, or you shall learn nothing."

From The Best Psychic Stories by Various

Related Words

• preconception