What does notion mean?
Notion is a formal word for an idea, concept, or belief, especially one that is abstract or not yet firmly established. It can refer to a proposed understanding of a situation, a general conception of something, or a personal opinion. In informal contexts, it may also suggest a vague, fanciful, or impractical idea. The word is common in writing and professional discussion, but “idea” is usually the more neutral everyday choice. Notion has no single strict opposite because it can range from a carefully reasoned theory to a passing fancy. Its usefulness lies in marking ideas as concepts or beliefs rather than established facts. In phrases such as “a clear notion of” it emphasizes understanding, while in “have no notion” it signals lack of understanding. The word also appears in the rare literary verb “notion,” meaning to form or express an idea. Overall, notion is suited to contexts where the intellectual status of an idea matters.
A concept, idea, or belief; by extension, a personal opinion or a vague conception of something.
"The authors challenge the common notion that economic growth alone indicates social progress."
Formal to neutral; sometimes implies that the idea is tentative, abstract, or insufficiently established.
To form or entertain a notion; to express an idea.
"He notioned no reason to delay the journey."
Rare and literary; in modern use, the ordinary word “think” is normally preferred.
The regular plural of the noun, used for multiple concepts, ideas, or beliefs.
"Several competing notions of justice informed the debate."
Notion comes from the Latin root for “known,” yet today it often describes an idea too tentative to pin down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notion come from?
English notion entered Middle English through Old French, which continued the Latin notionem or notion. The Latin word denoted an idea or concept and was connected with notus, meaning “known.” Related English words such as notable, notify, notification, and denote preserve this connection with knowing, marking, or making known.
Related word forms
How notion is actually used
Notion is formal to neutral and often marks an idea as abstract or provisional rather than established. In informal contexts, it can imply that the idea is vague, fanciful, or impractical.
Easily confused with notion
A notion is an idea or concept, whereas notation is a system of symbols used to represent information.