Notion

Notion

Noun · /ˈnəʊ.ʃən/

Definition

A conception or belief; a general understanding or impression; a vague or imperfect conception; an inclination or desire (informal: I had a notion to leave early); (in plural, dated) small useful items such as needles, thread, and buttons sold in a haberdasher's shop.

Origin

From Latin notio (a concept, a notion, a becoming acquainted with: from noscere, to come to know) and its ablative form notione. Notio from notus (known) from noscere, from Proto-Indo-European *gneh₃- (to know) — the same root as know, knowledge, notice, notify, notorious, and noble. The same root giving the philosophical term noesis (Greek: act of knowing, mental perception). Notion therefore being, literally, a knowing — a concept or understanding held in the mind.