notion
NOH-shuhn
Notion (noun) means an idea, belief, or understanding about something. Example: “The notion of working from a beach café appealed to her.”
noun
1
An idea, belief, or understanding about something.
"The notion of working from a beach café appealed to her."
"He had a vague notion of what the job involved."
"She rejected the notion that money brings happiness."
2
A small item used in sewing, such as a button or zipper.
"Grandma keeps her needles, pins and other notions in a tin box."
"You can find elastic, hooks and similar notions at the back of the shop."
"The fabric shop also sells buttons, thread, and other notions."
How to use notion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general idea or belief about something, or, separately, small sewing supplies.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a vague notion
have no notion
sewing notions
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Word forms
- Plural
- notions
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The _____ of working from a beach café appealed to her.
Etymology
From Latin nōtiō ("idea, concept"), from nōscō ("to know").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for notion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for notion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “notion” mean?
The word “notion” means an idea, belief, or understanding about something. In plain terms, a general idea or belief about something, or, separately, small sewing supplies.
How do you pronounce “notion”?
“Notion” is pronounced NOH-shuhn (/ˈnoʊʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “notion” in a sentence?
Here is “notion” used in a sentence: “He had a vague notion of what the job involved.”
What part of speech is “notion”?
“Notion” is a noun.
Where does the word “notion” come from?
The word “notion” comes from Latin. From Latin nōtiō ("idea, concept"), from nōscō ("to know").
Is “notion” a common word?
“Notion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “notion” have?
“Notion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an idea, belief, or understanding about something.
What is the difference between a notion and an idea?
A notion is a general idea, belief, or understanding, often vague or not fully worked out. An idea is broader and can be more concrete or developed, including plans and inventions, whereas a notion tends to be looser and more impressionistic.
What is the difference between a notion and a concept?
A notion is a loose or intuitive idea or belief. A concept is a more defined, thought-out abstract idea, often used in academic, technical, or philosophical contexts.
What do notions mean in sewing?
In sewing, notions are the small items and accessories used in the craft, such as buttons, zippers, thread, needles, and pins. In this sense the word is normally used in the plural.
What preposition or word follows notion?
Notion is commonly followed by of, as in a notion of fairness, or by a that-clause, as in the notion that he was late. It also appears in the phrase no notion, meaning no idea at all.
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