# preconceived

/ˌpɹikənˈsivd/ (US) · /pɹˌiːkənsˈiːvd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preconceived
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

already formed in your mind before you have any real experience or information. You use this to describe an opinion or idea that you cannot change because you already believe it.

For teachers: formed or held in advance of experience or evidence. Often used to describe biases or assumptions that prevent a person from considering new information objectively.

## Examples

- He had preconceived ideas about the city before he arrived.
- The manager's preconceived notions about the team's performance made it difficult for him to accept the new data.
- To overcome a preconceived bias, one must actively seek out information that contradicts their existing beliefs and remain open to the possibility of being proven wrong.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.