Notion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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notion
[ˈnəʊʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
general
A conception or idea. A general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something. An individual's perception or understanding of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notion |
Use when you want to refer to a general or vague understanding or idea of something. It can also imply an opinion that's not well-founded.
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| concept |
Use when referring to an abstract idea or a mental construct that is more developed and clearly defined. It is often used in academic and professional discussions.
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| idea |
Use when you have a thought or plan that is not fully formed but is more concrete than a notion. It can be used in a wide range of contexts.
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| belief |
Use when you want to talk about something that someone accepts as true or real, often without proof. It can be based on faith, tradition, or personal conviction.
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Examples of usage
- The notion of love is different for each person.
- I have a notion of what she's talking about, but I'm not sure.
philosophy
A concept or belief about the nature of something. A theory or belief.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notion |
Use 'notion' when referring to a general idea or understanding, often an idea held without much deep consideration.
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| theory |
Use 'theory' when referring to a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
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| belief |
Use 'belief' when talking about something someone accepts as true or real, often without proof. It can be related to religion, trust, or personal convictions.
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| concept |
Use 'concept' when referring to an abstract idea or a mental representation of something. It is often used in academic, scientific, or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The notion of free will is a complex philosophical debate.
- His notion of justice differs from traditional views.
informal
A whimsical or fanciful idea. A sudden desire or impulse.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notion |
Appropriate for expressing an idea, belief, or concept that someone has.
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| whim |
Used for a sudden, unpredictable change of mind or desire, often seen as impulsive or quirky.
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| impulse |
Best for describing a sudden, spontaneous urge or instinctive drive to act without thinking deeply.
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| fancy |
Typically used to indicate a liking or desire for something, often whimsically or without serious intention.
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Examples of usage
- I had a notion to go dancing last night.
- She's always coming up with wild notions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, a notion is often seen as a fundamental building block of thought.
- Notions can be subjective, varying widely from person to person based on experiences and perceptions.
- Plato famously explored the nature of notions in his theory of forms, suggesting that notions can be imperfect reflections of ideal concepts.
Culture
- Notions often influence art and literature, shaping how stories and cultures are expressed.
- During the Enlightenment, new notions about democracy and rights reshaped governments around the world.
- Contemporary social movements often begin with a notion that challenges the status quo.
Psychology
- In psychology, a notion can be related to mental representations that help us understand the world.
- Cognitive processes often rely on existing notions to evaluate and interpret new information.
- Understanding how notions form can provide insight into human behavior and decision-making.
Science
- In scientific discourse, a notion might be a preliminary hypothesis that needs further testing.
- The scientific method often starts with a notion that guides researchers to make observations.
- Notions in science evolve over time as new evidence emerges, leading to breakthroughs and changes in understanding.
Origin of 'notion'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'notio', meaning 'to understand' or 'to know'.
- In Middle English, it evolved into 'notioun', indicating an idea or belief.
- The usage of 'notion' in English dates back to the late 14th century.
The word 'notion' originated from the Latin word 'notio' meaning 'idea' or 'conception'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used to refer to a mental image or concept. Over time, its meaning expanded to include various interpretations and understandings, reflecting the evolving nature of human thought and perception.