1. Notion (noun): An idea, belief, or general understanding of something.
2. Notion (noun): A desire or inclination to do something.
3. Notion (noun): Small useful items, especially for sewing or haberdashery.
The term "notion" encompasses several distinct meanings, from mental concepts to small practical items. It refers primarily to an idea or conception but can also describe small, useful articles in certain contexts. Understanding the various applications of "notion" enhances your ability to communicate precisely in different situations.
The term "notion" has evolved over time to encompass various meanings across different contexts. Understanding these definitions helps clarify their usage in everyday language.
In its primary meaning, a "notion" refers to a conception or idea about something. This mental construct can range from vague impressions to well-formed theories about how something works or what it means.
"Notion" can also refer to a sudden impulse, desire, or whim to do something. This usage often appears in phrases like "I had a notion to go for a walk" or "She took a notion to redecorate the living room," indicating a spontaneous inclination rather than a carefully considered plan.
In retail and sewing contexts, "notions" (usually plural) describe small, practical items used in sewing and crafts, such as buttons, threads, ribbons, and zippers. This specialized meaning represents tangible objects rather than abstract concepts.
"Notion" primarily functions as a noun in English. It represents either an abstract idea or conception of something, a whim or inclination, or small practical items (in its plural form, "notions"). While not commonly used as other parts of speech, some creative or nonstandard usages might occasionally treat it as an adjective (e.g., "notion shop") to describe establishments selling small practical items.
The word "notion" is pronounced as "NOH-shuhn." Start with the "N" sound, followed by a long "O" as in "note," then blend into "sh" sound, and finish with an unstressed "uhn" sound. The emphasis falls on the first syllable "NOH," while the second syllable "shuhn" is pronounced more lightly.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈnoʊ.ʃən/
These synonyms offer different shades of meaning that can be more appropriate depending on context.
These antonyms represent concepts that stand in opposition to the idea of a "notion."
The following examples demonstrate the word's versatility across different situations and meanings.
1. She had the notion that someone was following her through the park.
2. The politicians rejected the notion that tax increases were necessary.
3. His romantic notion of wilderness camping quickly faded when faced with mosquitoes and rain.
4. I have only a vague notion of how quantum physics works.
5. Where did you get the notion that I was upset with you?
6. The store specializes in sewing notions like buttons, thread, and zippers.
7. That outdated notion of proper behavior has no place in modern society.
8. On a sudden notion, she decided to dye her hair purple.
9. The professor challenged the students' preconceived notions about economic theory.
10. I have no notion whatsoever about how to repair a car engine.
The frequency of use of the word "notion" is moderate in contemporary English. According to corpus data and language tracking tools, "notion" appears regularly in both written and spoken English, though not among the most frequently used nouns. In academic and philosophical writing, the term appears more frequently when discussing concepts, ideas, and theoretical frameworks. The plural form "notions" maintains steady usage in specialized contexts related to sewing and crafting.
The word "notion" has several variants that modify its meaning or usage in different contexts. Understanding these variants helps in recognizing the word's flexibility in language.
1. Notional: The adjectival form meaning existing only in theory or as a suggestion or idea, not concrete or substantiated.
2. Notionally: The adverbial form describing something done or existing in a way that is based on a notion rather than reality.
3. Prenotion: A preliminary or foregoing notion; a conception formed beforehand.
4. Notionless: Without notions or ideas; lacking conceptual understanding.
Understanding terms related to "notion" enhances comprehension of its semantic field and contextual usage.
1. Concept
2. Ideation
3. Abstraction
4. Theory
5. Hypothesis
6. Impression
7. Intuition
8. Perception
9. Conception
10. Mentality
The word "notion" entered English in the late 14th century, derived from the Latin word "notionem" (nominative: notio), meaning "concept, idea, examination." This Latin term comes from the past participle stem of "noscere," which means "to come to know." The word initially referred to a mental concept or an idea in Middle English. By the 17th century, "notion" had expanded to include the sense of a personal whim or inclination. The meaning related to small, useful items (sewing notions) emerged later in American English during the early 19th century, possibly derived from the idea that these were items created from someone's innovative "notion" or idea.
Here are notable derivatives and compounds stemming from "notion":
1. Notional
2. Notionally
3. Prenotion
4. Counternotion
5. Notion-mongering
6. Notionism
7. Notionality
Identifying common misspellings of "notion" helps improve written communication and language accuracy. These errors typically occur due to similar pronunciations or typing mistakes.
1. Noton
2. Notoin
3. Nosion
4. Notien
5. Notian
6. Noshun
7. Notchion
8. Knowtion
9. Notiun
10. Nocian
Here are ten idioms that relate to the concept of "notion":
1. Have an inkling
2. Get the idea
3. Cross one's mind
4. Ring a bell
5. Plant a seed
6. Penny for your thoughts
7. Think outside the box
8. Put a bug in someone's ear
9. Wrap your head around
10. On a whim
Understanding common questions about "notion" helps clarify its usage and meaning in various contexts.
1. What is the basic definition of "notion"?
A "notion" primarily refers to a mental concept, idea, or belief about something. It can also mean a sudden impulse or desire, and in its plural form, it refers to small useful items, particularly in sewing and crafting.
2. How can "notion" be used in a sentence?
Here's an example: "I have a vague notion of how the computer system works, but I couldn't explain the technical details to someone else."
3. What is the difference between "notion" and "idea"?
While often used interchangeably, "notion" typically suggests a more vague or personal concept, whereas "idea" can represent a more formed thought or plan.
4. Why are sewing supplies called "notions"?
The term "notions" for sewing supplies likely developed in 19th-century America, possibly from the idea that these small items represented innovative ideas or "notions" for improving clothing and crafts.
5. What is the adjective form of "notion"?
The adjective form of "notion" is "notional," which describes something that exists as or is based on a thought or idea rather than something concrete or real.
6. Can "notion" be used as a verb?
Unlike many English words, "notion" is not commonly used as a verb in standard English.
7. What is the difference between "notion" and "perception"?
"Notion" typically refers to a mental concept or idea that may be formed without direct sensory input, while "perception" specifically relates to how we interpret information received through our senses.
8. How has the meaning of "notion" changed over time?
The word "notion" originally referred only to mental concepts or ideas when it entered English in the 14th century. Later, it expanded to include personal whims or inclinations and had further developed to include small practical items in sewing and crafting.
9. What is a "preconceived notion"?
It refers to ideas we develop in advance of actually encountering a situation, often based on assumptions, stereotypes, or limited information.
10. Is "notion" the same as "theory"?
A "notion" is typically a more general or vague idea, while a "theory" is a more systematically developed explanation backed by evidence or reasoning.
A notion is an idea, concept, or mental impression that shapes our understanding of the world. Understanding this versatile term enhances our ability to discuss abstract thinking and the formation of ideas in various contexts. Exploring more word definitions will continue to enrich your vocabulary and deepen your appreciation for the nuances of language.
