Skip to main content

preconception — an opinion or belief formed beforehand without adequate evidence or experience

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an opinion or belief formed beforehand without adequate evidence or experience

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpriːkənˈsepʃən/

Example Sentences

  • My preconception that all math teachers are boring was shattered when Mr. Kim started teaching with magic tricks.
  • The documentary aims to challenge viewers' preconceptions about homeless people.
  • She approached the new job with an open mind, determined to set aside her preconceptions.

preconception

NOUN

[/ˌpriːkənˈsepʃən/]

an opinion or belief formed beforehand without adequate evidence or experience

While the open-minded guest took a bite and loved the strange dish, the stubborn boy let his preconception keep him from even tasting it.
💡 Concept

While the open-minded guest took a bite and loved the strange dish, the stubborn boy let his preconception keep him from even tasting it.

PRE (before) + CONCEPT (mental grasp) — by building a CONCEPT in his head PRE (before) opening the mystery parcel, his preconception blinded him to the actual gift.
🧠 Mnemonic

PRE (before) + CONCEPT (mental grasp) — by building a CONCEPT in his head PRE (before) opening the mystery parcel, his preconception blinded him to the actual gift.

Suspecting foul deception without a single exception, the detective's stubborn preconception caused him to suspect an innocent person.
🎵 Rhyme

Suspecting foul deception without a single exception, the detective's stubborn preconception caused him to suspect an innocent person.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌpriːkənˈsepʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌpriːkənˈsepʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootcept
Suffix--ion

Origin

From Latin praeconceptio, meaning 'a grasping beforehand.' The idea is of mentally 'seizing' or forming an opinion about something before actually encountering it.

Breakdown

pre- (before/in advance) + concept (from Latin conceptus, 'grasped/conceived') + -ion (noun suffix)

🎵Rhyme

conception
reception
perception
deception

🔗Collocations

challenge preconceptions
cultural preconceptions
overcome preconceptions
deep-rooted preconceptions
free from preconceptions
preconceptions about

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My preconception that all math teachers are boring was shattered when Mr. Kim started teaching with magic tricks.”

“The documentary aims to challenge viewers' preconceptions about homeless people.”

“She approached the new job with an open mind, determined to set aside her preconceptions.”

😄 Fun example

“His preconception that spicy food would kill him was proven wrong when he survived a single jalapeño.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.