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 Word Forms

• notionless 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

There’s a common notion that L.A. tends to disregard its past, like when legacy restaurants shut down or when architectural feats get demolished.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Shrugging off such concerns with the notion that the innocent have nothing to fear misses how such actions can harm our freedoms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even some backers of Proposition 50 flinched at the notion of sidelining the redistricting commission and undoing its painstaking, nonpartisan work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But still: In Musk’s attitude toward Britain, or at least toward his notion of “England,” we see all the signs of unconsummated romance.

Read more on Salon

Noted playwright Hudes pens a stunning debut novel that rends conventional notions of motherhood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.