preconceive

American  

[pree-kuhn-seev] / ˌpri kənˈsiv /

verb (used with object)

preconceived, preconceiving

1. to form a conception or opinion of beforehand, as before seeing evidence or as a result of previously held prejudice.

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preconceive British  

/ ˌpriːkənˈsiːv /

verb

1. (tr) to form an idea of beforehand; conceive of ahead in time

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Usage

What does preconceive mean? Preconceive means to form an opinion or idea about something before you know anything factual or see any results, as in  I don’t preconceive ideas about foods I haven’t tried yet.Preconceive is almost always used in the past tense, as in Watching the film confirmed Raul’s preconceived belief that he would hate it.Preconceive often implies that the reason a person formed an opinion ahead of time is because they have biases or prejudices that are influencing them. For example, you might be biased against vegetables because you haven’t liked any of the ones you’ve tried so far. That bias might lead you to have a preconceived idea that you won’t like a vegetable you’ve never eaten before. But you’ll only know if you like it by trying it.Preconceive is commonly used in the phrase preconceived notions, as in The man’s preconceived notions about rap music prevented him from giving it a fair chance.

Etymology

Origin of preconceive

First recorded in 1570–80; pre- + conceive

Example Sentences

You will realize many things when you are open to that, and not anticipate and not preconceive and truly be present because that is when you’re going to find everything.’

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2021

How little did I preconceive the conduct which, in an exigence like this, I should be prone to adopt!

From The Lock and Key Library The most interesting stories of all nations: American by Hawthorne, Julian

How little did I preconceive the conduct which, in an exigence like this, I should be prone to adopt.

From Wieland: or, the Transformation, an American Tale by Brown, Charles Brockden