preconception
pree-kun-SEP-shun
/ˌpriːkənˈsɛpʃən/
A preconceived idea or prejudice; an opinion formed before having enough information.
It is often more intellectual and less emotional than 'prejudice,' though it can lead to it.
The story behind the word. To 'conceive' is to take an idea into the mind (like a mother conceives a child). A 'preconception' is an idea that you took into your mind before you actually met the person or saw the thing. You 'gave birth' to the idea without any 'father' (the facts).
Word relationships
- presupposition: A presupposition is something assumed beforehand as a basis for argument; a preconception is a more general idea formed early on.
- open-mindedness: Willingness to consider new ideas.
Commonly confused with
- bias: Bias is a slant or tendency; a preconception is a specific idea or image held before the facts are known.
Word family
- preconceive (verb): To form an opinion of before possessing full knowledge.
- preconceived (adjective): Formed before having the evidence for its truth or usefulness.
Collocations
- challenge a preconception
- shatter a preconception
- popular preconception
Example sentences
- "Preconception is the mother of all errors, for it blinds us to the reality right in front of our eyes." Philosophy
- "I arrived in the city with many preconceptions about its danger, but I found the people to be incredibly welcoming." Travel Writing
Memory hook
Pre-concept. You have the concept before you have the experience. Drawing a picture of a person before you've even met them.
When not to use
Don't use it for a belief based on evidence; it must be an idea formed before the evidence was available.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'preconception' was often used in religious debates to discuss ideas that humans were supposedly born with.
Related words
Explore more words
conceptualize, conceive, predisposition, partisan, pretext, precaution
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