English Reference

Word

notion

Phoneticsno·tion, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈnoʊʃən/

UK/nˈəʊʃən/

Definitions

01an idea or concept

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic

n. an idea, belief, or understanding of something.

n. a mental representation or conceptual understanding of a particular topic or phenomenon.

“Many people still hold the notion that success only comes from hard work.”

“The traditional notion of a fixed career path has been challenged by the rise of the gig economy and remote work arrangements.”

Antonyms

02a sudden desire

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a sudden feeling or desire to do something, often without a clear reason.

n. an impulsive inclination or whim to perform a specific action.

“She had a sudden notion to go for a walk in the rain.”

“He occasionally took the notion to quit his corporate job and move to the countryside, though he never actually followed through.”

03sewing supplies

C1 · Advanced Plural noun American English · Technical

n. small items used for sewing, such as buttons, zippers, and thread.

n. small functional items or accessories used in sewing and haberdashery.

“You can find buttons and needles in the notions department of the store.”

“The tailor kept a vast collection of notions, ranging from vintage brass buttons to high-quality silk threads, in neatly labelled drawers.”

Synonyms

sundrieshaberdashery

04pretentiousness

C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Dialect · British English · Informal

n. the act of thinking you are better or more important than you really are.

n. an attitude of pretentiousness or having ideas above one's social station.

“Ever since he moved to the city, he's come back home with all sorts of notions.”

“The locals were quick to criticise anyone who returned from abroad with notions, viewing any change in accent or habit as an affectation.”

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form 'notions'.

Teaching tip

This is specifically common in Irish English to describe someone who is acting 'fancy' or superior.

Synonyms

pretensionairs

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “notion” in context.

Verb

01. introduce notion

“The professor used the first lecture to introduce the notion of quantum mechanics to the students.”

verb + noun

02. reinforce notion

“The recent survey results only serve to reinforce the notion that people are unhappy with the new policy.”

verb + noun

03. support notion

“There is currently very little scientific evidence to support the notion that this treatment works.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. general notion

“I have a general notion of how the machine works, but I don't know the specific details.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. notion of

“She challenged the traditional notion of what it means to be a successful professional.”

noun + prep

Real-World Examples

“Noel is not asked about his views in the film but he and Liam reject any notion that they stand for anything but unity between people.”
The Guardian 8 Sept 2026
“I’m Canadian in America but it’s enthralling.” He rejects Miller’s notion that Star Trek’s inclusiveness has gone too far.”
The Guardian 8 Sept 2026

Etymology

From Latin nōtiō (“a becoming acquainted, a taking cognizance, an examination, an investigation, a conception, idea, notion”), from nōscō (“to know”). Compare French notion. See know.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

notion(B2)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/notion

English Reference