Words / B2

NOHSHUN/ˈnəʊʃn/

A notion is an idea or belief, often not fully proven or rather general: the notion that + clause, or a vague / outdated notion. Idea is everyday; concept is more academic and defined; notion can sound slightly sceptical (the notion that money buys happiness). It is common in essays when you discuss other people's beliefs.

Meaning

An idea or belief, often not fully proven.

Examples

• “He has a notion that the test will be easy.”
• “She rejected the notion that talent cannot be trained.”
• “He had only a vague notion of how the machine worked.”

Good to know

the notion that + clause. Idea, sometimes unproven. Related: concept (more defined).

Near in meaning

idea

New