notion

/ˈnoʊʃən/

/ˈnʌʊʃɪn/

Other forms: notions

If you have a notion that you can swim across the ocean, you are probably wrong. A notion is an idea, often vague and sometimes fanciful.

A notion is lighter than a theory and embraces a whimsy that a simple idea never could. You might have the notion that you can slow global warming by taking public transportation and reusing plastic bags. If you share a far-fetched idea with others, someone might respond with a "Where'd you get that notion?!" Notions can also refer to the buttons, thread, zippers, and pins necessary for sewing things. So if you have a notion to create your own Halloween costume, you better pick up some notions from the craft store.

Definitions of notion

1. noun

   a general inclusive concept
   types:

   mumpsimus

   a traditional notion that is obstinately held although it is unreasonable

   type of:

   concept, conception, construct

   an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
2. noun

   a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
   synonyms: belief, feeling, impression, opinion

   types:

   presence

   the impression that something is present

   effect

   an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)

   first blush

   at the first glimpse or impression

   hunch, intuition, suspicion

   an impression that something might be the case

   sound effect

   an effect that imitates a sound called for in the script of a play

   special effect

   an effect used to produce scenes that cannot be achieved by normal techniques (especially on film)

   bosom, heart

   the locus of feelings and intuitions

   type of:

   idea, thought

   the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
3. noun

   an odd or fanciful or capricious idea
   “the theatrical notion of disguise is associated with disaster in his stories”

   synonyms: whim, whimsey, whimsy

   type of:

   idea, thought

   the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
4. noun

   (usually plural) small personal articles or clothing or sewing items
   “buttons and needles are notions”

   types:

   ribbon

   notion consisting of a narrow strip of fine material used for trimming

   riband, ribband

   a ribbon used as a decoration

   type of:

   article

   one of a class of artifacts