Notion Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈnoʊʃən/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A note or idea; a brief written or spoken expression of thought, typically containing a main idea and subsidiary ideas or supporting details.

Examples

She jotted down her idea in a small notion in her notebook.
The teacher asked the students to share their notions about the novel.

Synonyms

Idea
Thought
Concept

Antonyms

Forgetfulness
Ignorance

Etymology

The word ‘Notion’ originated from the Latin word ‘notio,’ which means ‘perception’ or ‘sensation.’ Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass the idea of a brief written or spoken expression of thought.

Usage Notes

When using the word ‘Notion’ in different contexts, it’s essential to consider the level of formality and the audience. For instance, in academic writing or professional settings, the word may be used to convey a specific idea or theory. In everyday conversation, ‘notion’ might be used more casually to express a passing thought or idea.

Cultural References

The word ‘Notion’ has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature and film. For example, in the novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde, ‘notion’ is used to describe a character’s abstract idea or perception.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘A notion of something’ – an idea or concept of something.
‘To have a notion for something’ – to have an idea or plan for something.

Related Words or Phrases

Other words and phrases closely related to ‘notion’ include ‘idea,’ ‘concept,’ and ‘perception.’ These words share similar meanings and are often used interchangeably in different contexts.

Collocations

‘A notion about’ – a brief expression of thought or idea about something.
‘A notion of’ – a perception or idea of something.

Frequency of Use

The word ‘Notion’ is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it may be used more frequently in academic or professional settings where precise ideas or concepts are being discussed.

Common Misspellings

‘Notion’ is often misspelled as ‘noteion’ or ‘nition,’ likely due to the similarity of sounds and letter patterns.

Additional Information

Notions can be developed through various means, including reading, observation, or personal experience. They can serve as building blocks for more complex ideas or theories and may be used to identify patterns or connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Keeping a system of writing down and organizing notions can be a valuable tool for creative problem-solving and critical thinking, as it encourages the development of ideas and their further elaboration.