notion

[ noh-shuhn ]

noun

1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something:

   a notion of how something should be done.

2. an opinion, view, or belief:

   That's his notion, not mine.

3. conception or idea:

   his notion of democracy.

4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim:

   She had a notion to swim in the winter.

5. an ingenious article, device, or contrivance; knickknack.
6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items, especially such items displayed together for sale, as in a department store.

notion

/ ˈnəʊʃən /

noun

1. a vague idea; impression
2. an idea, concept, or opinion
3. an inclination or whim

Other Words From

• notion·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of notion¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin nōtiōn- (stem of nōtiō ) “examination, idea,” equivalent to (g)nōt(us), past participle of (g)nōscere “to come to know” + -iōn- suffix forming nouns; notify, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of notion¹

C16: from Latin nōtiō a becoming acquainted (with), examination (of), from noscere to know

Example Sentences

Secondly, contested notions of fairness are so often central to the most contentious political arguments, and this one is no different.

From BBC

The studio has pushed back on the notion that it did Eastwood dirty with its release strategy.

From Los Angeles Times

“We just again have to be focused on bread-and-butter, kitchen-table, middle-class issues, and get away from identity politics, get away from the notion of fighting these culture wars.”

From Los Angeles Times

These numbers don’t reveal much evidence of raging majoritarian white nationalism or the notion that African Americans would be alienated by flag-waving.

From Salon

They ignored the history of immigration and ethnicity that pointed to the shifting notion of who gets to be white in America.

From Salon

Related Words

• approach
• assumption
• concept
• conception
• image
• impression
• knowledge
• opinion
• perception
• sentiment
• suggestion
• thought
• understanding
• view

When To Use

What are other ways to say notion?

A notion is a vague or imperfect idea or a general understanding of something. How is it different from thought, conception, and idea? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.