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

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

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

From 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.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preconception