Notions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ’
notions
[ˈnoʊʃənz ]
Definitions
general
Concepts or ideas, especially those that are vague or abstract.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notions |
Usually used to express informal or less developed thoughts and can sometimes imply whimsical or fanciful ideas.
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| concept |
A general idea or understanding of something, often used in academic or professional settings to discuss theories and broad ideas.
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| idea |
Can be used broadly for any thought, plan, or suggestion. It is often used in casual conversation to describe something someone has thought of.
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| belief |
Refers to something a person holds to be true or real, often related to religion, values, or deeply held opinions.
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Examples of usage
- His speech was full of abstract notions about the future of technology.
- She had a notion that he was hiding something from her.
informal
A belief or opinion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notions |
Used for general ideas, thoughts, or concepts that someone has, often not based on solid evidence.
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| belief |
Refers to accepting something as true, often without definitive proof, and can be related to religion, personal values, or opinions.
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| opinion |
Refers to a personal view, judgment, or assessment about a particular matter, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
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| conviction |
Used when someone holds a strong and firm belief or opinion, usually with confidence and certainty.
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Examples of usage
- I have a notion that it's going to rain today.
- She has notions about the best way to succeed in business.
archaic
A mental image or representation; an idea or conception.
Synonyms
conception, idea, image.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| notions |
Use 'notions' when referring to a variety of small personal ideas, often informal, or when discussing simple, perhaps naive beliefs.
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| image |
Use 'image' to refer to a mental picture or representation, often visual, that evokes specific features or perceptions.
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| idea |
Use 'idea' to describe a thought, suggestion, or a potential plan that is usually simple and general.
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| conception |
Use 'conception' to refer to a comprehensive, often sophisticated understanding or an initial stage of forming a complex idea.
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Examples of usage
- She had a vivid notion of what her future would look like.
- The artist's notion of beauty was unconventional.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Notions can reflect a person's beliefs or attitudes shaped by their experiences and environment.
- Cognitive biases can influence a person's notions, leading to generalized conclusions based on limited information.
Pop Culture
- In literature and films, characters often grapple with their notions of reality, leading to transformative arcs.
- The phrase 'notions of beauty' often appears in fashion and art, indicating subjective interpretations across cultures.
Philosophy
- Philosophers explore how human notions shape our understanding of truth, knowledge, and existence.
- The perception of reality can be vastly different based on individual notions and interpretations.
Education
- In classrooms, discussing notions helps students to develop critical thinking by challenging their pre-existing beliefs.
- Education often aims at reshaping students' notions to broaden their perspectives and encourage open-mindedness.
Origin of 'notions'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'notion' comes from the Latin 'notio', meaning 'to know' or 'a concept'.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, evolving from earlier meanings of 'understanding'.
The word 'notions' originated from the Middle English word 'notioun', which came from the Old French 'nocioun'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. Over time, the meaning of 'notions' has evolved to refer to abstract concepts or beliefs, as well as mental images or representations.