preconceived notion

[ pree-kuhn-seevd noh-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preconceived notion¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

“I had all these preconceived notions growing up in the church. They’re perceived as a threat, you know, their lifestyles.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I wanted a character that was not going to be pigeonholed by preconceived notions about what I can or cannot do," she said.

From Salon

Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh related that Straussians filled the Pentagon’s ad hoc Office of Special Plans, and had bulldozed the government’s intelligence agencies in order to cherry-pick dubious evidence to fit their preconceived notions.

From Salon

But the panel found no evidence that the jury pool had any preconceived notions about Webster, “or even knew who he was.”

From Seattle Times

Fewer and fewer companies own more and more of the media outlets, independence is waning and as a result, the news business is just a cash grab built around knee-jerk reactions and preconceived notions.

From Salon

Related Words

• preconception