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

The Hell Cats, as a group, challenge voters’ preconceived notions about who can lead in the United States.

From Salon

The way this Superman battled preconceived notions of who Superman should be was to remove any warm and cuddly aspects of the figure.

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

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

“I wanted people who would look at data without preconceived notions,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• preconception