idée reçue

/ ide rəsy /

noun

1. a generally held opinion or concept

Word History and Origins

Origin of idée reçue¹

literally: received idea

Example Sentences

Lest I sound prejudiced, like so many of my American compatriots, for whom it’s an idée reçue to say, “France would be delightful if it weren’t for the French,” I should clarify that I’m a passionate Francophile.

From New York Times

In mid-October, as part of an annual nationwide science festival, Trivellone organized an exhibition called, “Les Cathares, une idee recue?”

From Los Angeles Times