notion
/ˈnəʊ.ʃən/- 1.
A general idea or belief about something, often vague or not fully worked out. You hold a notion without necessarily having strong evidence for it.
- She had a vague notion that the meeting had been cancelled.
- He rejected the notion that hard work always guarantees success.
- I had no notion of how difficult the exam would be.
- 2.
A sudden impulse or desire to do something, often without a clear reason. This sense is more informal and mostly used in spoken English.
- He took a sudden notion to quit his job and travel.
- She had a notion to redecorate the whole house overnight.
Adinary Nuance
"Notion" belongs to a cluster with "idea," "concept," and "belief" — but each carries a distinct weight. "Concept" is the most formal and structured, preferred in technical and academic writing. "Idea" is the most neutral and all-purpose word you can use in any context. "Notion" sits between them: it implies something loosely held, often unexamined, or slightly contestable. In IELTS and academic writing, the phrase "the notion that..." is especially useful — it signals you are about to analyse or challenge an assumption, which shows critical thinking. Avoid "notion" when you want to express a firm, well-supported idea; use "concept" or "principle" instead.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Ý niệm
- Spanish
- noción
- Chinese
- 概念
- Japanese
- 概念
- Korean
- 개념
Etymology
From Latin 'notio' (a concept or idea), derived from 'noscere' (to know). The word entered English in the late 16th century through French.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'notion' formal or informal?
- It is a mid-register word — neither very formal nor very casual. It works well in IELTS essays and academic writing, especially in phrases like 'the notion that...' where you introduce an idea to discuss or challenge it.
- What is the difference between 'notion' and 'concept'?
- 'Concept' is more formal and suggests a well-developed, structured idea — common in textbooks and research papers. 'Notion' is slightly less precise and often implies a vague or debatable belief. Use 'concept' for established technical ideas; use 'notion' for beliefs that are open to question.
- Can I use 'notion' in an IELTS Task 2 essay?
- Yes, it is a strong choice for IELTS Task 2. Phrases like 'the widespread notion that...' or 'this notion is largely unfounded' demonstrate a good vocabulary range and critical thinking, both of which examiners reward.
- Does 'notion' always mean something vague or uncertain?
- Not always. It can refer to a widely accepted belief, such as 'the notion of justice.' However, it often carries a hint of subjectivity, which is exactly why it appears so frequently in arguments and academic debates.