notion

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A general idea, belief, or understanding that may be vague or not fully developed.

   Grammar: Countable: a vague notion, common notions; contrast concept, which suggests a more formed idea.

   Patterns

   • a vague notion
   • the notion that
   • reject the notion

   She had only a vague notion of how the engine worked.

   The notion that money buys happiness is widely challenged.

   He rejected the notion that grammar has simple absolute rules.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   A sudden wish or intention to do something.

   Grammar: Usually singular in the pattern have a notion to do something; chiefly informal.

   Patterns

   • have a notion to do something
   • take a notion

   On a warm afternoon, I had a notion to drive to the coast.

   She took a notion to rearrange the whole office.

3. 3nounusually pluralAmerican

   Small useful articles for sewing or household work, especially in American English.

   Grammar: Usually plural: sewing notions; singular is rare outside fixed shop names.

   Patterns

   • sewing notions
   • notions counter

   She bought thread, buttons, and other notions.

   The store has a notions counter near the fabric section.

Word forms

Common combinations

vague notion

I have a vague notion that we met years ago.

preconceived notions

Travel challenged many of his preconceived notions.

reject the notion

Scientists reject the notion that one study can settle everything.

have a notion to leave

After the argument, he had a notion to leave early.

Synonyms and how they differ

idea

More neutral and broad; notion often suggests the idea is less precise or less justified.

concept

More developed and systematic, often used in academic or technical contexts.

impression

Emphasizes a tentative feeling based on limited evidence rather than a formed belief.

Commonly confused: notion or motion?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “notion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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