Notion
ˈnəʊʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsAn idea, belief, or understanding of something.
ˈnəʊʃən
A belief about something; an idea or concept.
She had a sudden notion to travel the world.
💡 Simply: A notion is like a little idea that pops into your head! It's something you think about, like a new game you want to play or a cool story you imagine.
👶 For kids: A notion is a thought or idea in your brain.
More Examples
The professor presented a new notion about the origins of the universe.
The general had a clear notion of the enemy's tactics.
How It's Used
"He had a vague notion of how the machine worked."
"The concept of a 'tabula rasa' is a fundamental notion in empiricism."
An impulse or inclination.
ˈnəʊʃən
An impulse or desire.
She felt a notion to call her old friend.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a notion is like a little nudge from your brain, a sudden feeling that you want to do something. It's a quick idea that you're just going to go and do it.
👶 For kids: A notion can also be when you suddenly want to do something!
More Examples
The notion took hold of him, and he couldn't resist.
A sudden notion to write a book consumed her.
How It's Used
"A sudden notion seized him, and he ran out into the rain."
Synonyms
Belief
Concept
Idea
Impression
Desire
Impulse
Inclination
Idioms & expressions
to have no notion of
To be completely unaware of or have no knowledge of something.
"He had no notion of the dangers involved."
From Middle French *nocion*, from Latin *notio* (“a knowing, knowledge, concept”), from *noscere* (“to get to know, learn, know”).
Historically, the word was used more broadly to encompass the act of knowing, but has narrowed over time to refer specifically to an idea or concept.
Memory tip
Think of a *notion* as a *thought* in your head. It's an idea, a concept, or a belief.