notions
notions Lexical Profile
notions Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Conceptions, beliefs, or mental understandings about something, often vague, general, or imperfect.
"The professor challenged the students' preconceived notions about medieval history."
Sudden impulses, whims, or inclinations to do something.
"She ignored her fleeting notions of quitting the project and finished the report on time."
North American Small, lightweight items and accessories used in sewing and dressmaking, such as buttons, needles, thread, pins, zippers, and ribbons.
"She stopped by the fabric store to pick up a few sewing notions before starting the quilt."
Irish Pretentiousness, self-importance, or delusions of grandeur above one's perceived station.
"His friends teased him about having notions when he ordered artisanal sparkling water at the local pub."
Word Nuance & Usage
While usually the simple plural of 'notion' (ideas or concepts), in North American English 'notions' is also used as a plural-only noun referring to small sewing supplies (equivalent to British 'haberdashery'). In Irish English, 'having notions' is a common colloquial expression meaning someone has pretentious or overly grand ambitions.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'notio' (meaning a taking cognizance, an idea, or a concept), derived from the verb 'noscere' (to come to know). The North American retail sense of small useful wares and sewing accessories emerged in the early 19th century from the idea of clever, inexpensive contrivances.