preconceived notion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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What does “preconceived notion” mean?
An idea or opinion formed before having adequate information or experience, often leading to bias.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An idea or opinion formed before having adequate information or experience, often leading to bias.
A fixed assumption that influences judgment, typically resistant to change despite new evidence, and commonly used in contexts involving criticism or analysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both varieties use the phrase similarly.
Connotations
Equally negative or critical in both dialects, associated with unwarranted assumptions.
Frequency
Equally common in formal and academic registers in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “preconceived notion” in a Sentence
preconceived notion of [noun phrase]preconceived notion that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preconceived notion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She did not preconceive any notions about the outcome.
American English
- He avoided preconceiving the results of the experiment.
adjective
British English
- They held preconceived ideas about the new policy.
American English
- His preconceived notions were based on outdated information.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business, preconceived notions can hinder innovation and lead to poor strategic decisions if not addressed.
Academic
Academic writing often critiques preconceived notions to advance knowledge and avoid biased research.
Everyday
In everyday conversation, people might admit to having preconceived notions about unfamiliar cultures or situations.
Technical
In psychology, preconceived notions are studied as cognitive biases affecting perception and decision-making.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preconceived notion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preconceived notion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preconceived notion”
- Using 'preconceived idea' interchangeably; 'notion' is more formal and specific.
- Mispronouncing as 'pre-conceived' with a hyphen in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it typically carries a negative connotation as it implies a lack of open-mindedness or evidence-based thinking.
Rarely; it is generally used to criticize or highlight biases, though in some cases, it might neutrally describe prior assumptions.
Prejudice is stronger, often involving emotional bias or discrimination, while preconceived notion is more about intellectual assumptions formed prematurely.
By practicing open-mindedness, seeking diverse perspectives, questioning assumptions, and engaging with evidence before forming opinions.
An idea or opinion formed before having adequate information or experience, often leading to bias.
Preconceived notion is usually formal in register.
Preconceived notion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd ˈnəʊʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd ˈnoʊʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “preconceived ideas”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pre-' meaning before, and 'conceived' meaning formed, so an idea formed before proper knowledge.
Conceptual Metaphor
Preconceived notions are mental blindfolds that limit seeing reality clearly.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate meaning of 'preconceived notion'?