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

See Examples For:

preconceived notion

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

“It’s an artistic tool, in a way. When somebody is coming at your music with a preconceived notion, then you have some friction to push against. And that’s artistically enticing.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 6, 2023

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

True science has no preconceived notion, no foregone conclusion.

From The New Avatar and The Destiny of the Soul The Findings of Natural Science Reduced to Practical Studies in Psychology by Buck, J. D. (Jirah Dewey)

Related Words

• preconception