preconceived notion

[pree-kuhn-seevd noh-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preconceived notion¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon

"More than one juror had complained that other jurors had preconceived notions and are using their beliefs of Harvey's life as evidence of guilt," the spokesperson said.

From BBC

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

The variety of men ensures that each woman has more than one option to connect with, and the guys’ ignorance of the Bravoverse leaves them with no preconceived notions of these Housewives.

From Salon

Related Words

• preconception