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

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

Read more on MarketWatch

“I have no preconceived notions — about anything or anybody, or what their past is and what their NIL money is,” Coyle said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preconception