Concept vs. Notion — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
A concept is a formalized, well-defined idea often backed by theory or research. A notion is a more informal, general idea or belief that may lack rigorous definition.
Difference Between Concept and Notion
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A concept is generally a well-defined, structured idea that is developed through research or theoretical underpinnings. In contrast, a notion is often a more casual, less formalized idea or belief that people may hold.
Concepts are usually derived from empirical evidence or academic study, making them more concrete and specific. Notions are generally vaguer, originating from personal understanding, common sense, or general beliefs.
Both "concept" and "notion" function primarily as nouns in English grammar. However, "conceptual" and "notional" serve as their respective adjectives, and they are not interchangeable due to their different implications.
In academia or professional settings, the term "concept" is more commonly used, as it implies a level of rigor and specificity. The term "notion," on the other hand, is often found in everyday language and may not necessarily be backed by empirical evidence.
Concepts usually require more cognitive effort to understand because they often involve a framework or system of ideas. Notions are simpler and more accessible, being easily understood without a detailed theoretical background.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Formality
More formal
Less formal
Origin
Empirical evidence, theory
Personal belief, common sense
Grammatical Usage
Primarily a noun
Primarily a noun
Complexity
Often complex
Generally simpler
Specificity
More specific and defined
More vague and general
Compare with Definitions
Concept
An idea that is part of a theoretical framework.
The marketing team discussed the concept of brand loyalty.
Notion
A general or vague idea.
He had a notion to travel the world.
Concept
A fundamental element in a system of beliefs.
Justice is a key concept in legal studies.
Notion
A basic, easily understood idea.
I have a notion of how the game is played.
Concept
A well-defined, structured idea.
The concept of gravity is fundamental in physics.
Notion
A simple, informal understanding.
She had a vague notion about the company's policies.
Concept
An abstract notion with theoretical basis.
Her research introduced a new concept in psychology.
Notion
An idea based on personal belief or common sense.
He dismissed the notion as mere superstition.
Concept
A mental construct based on empirical evidence.
The concept of democracy has evolved over time.
Notion
A conception of or belief about something
I had no notion of what her words meant
Children have different notions about the roles of their parents
Concept
Concepts are defined as abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, in speech, or in thought. They are understood to be the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs.
Notion
An impulse or desire, especially one of a whimsical kind
She had a notion to ring her friend at work
Concept
An abstract idea
Structuralism is a difficult concept
The concept of justice
Notion
Items used in sewing, such as buttons, pins, and hooks.
Concept
A general idea or understanding of something
The concept of inertia.
The concept of free will.
Notion
A belief or opinion
Had an old-fashioned notion of what qualities were most important in a mate.
Concept
A plan or original idea
The original concept was for a building with 12 floors.
Notion
A mental image; an idea or conception
Do you have any notion of what I'm referring to?.
Concept
A unifying idea or theme, especially for a product or service
A new restaurant concept.
Notion
An impulse or whim
I suddenly had the notion of walking by the river.
Concept
Having an experimental or strikingly different design, especially to test or demonstrate new features
A concept car.
Notion
Notions Small lightweight items for household use, such as needles, buttons, and thread.
Concept
An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
Notion
Mental apprehension of whatever may be known, thought, or imagined; idea, concept.
Concept
Understanding retained in the mind, from experience, reasoning and imagination; a generalization (generic, basic form), or abstraction (mental impression), of a particular set of instances or occurrences (specific, though different, recorded manifestations of the concept).
Notion
A sentiment; an opinion.
Concept
(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.
Notion
(obsolete) Sense; mind.
Concept
To conceive; to dream up
Notion
(colloquial) An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack.
Yankee notions
Concept
An abstract general conception; a notion; a universal.
The words conception, concept, notion, should be limited to the thought of what can not be represented in the imagination; as, the thought suggested by a general term.
Notion
Any small article used in sewing and haberdashery, either for attachment to garments or as a tool, such as a button, zipper, or thimble.
Concept
An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Notion
(colloquial) Inclination; intention; disposition.
I have a notion' to do it.
Notion
Mental apprehension of whatever may be known or imagined; an idea; a conception; more properly, a general or universal conception, as distinguishable or definable by marks or notæ.
What hath been generally agreed on, I content myself to assume under the notion of principles.
Few agree in their notions about these words.
That notion of hunger, cold, sound, color, thought, wish, or fear which is in the mind, is called the "idea" of hunger, cold, etc.
Notion, again, signifies either the act of apprehending, signalizing, that is, the remarking or taking note of, the various notes, marks, or characters of an object which its qualities afford, or the result of that act.
Notion
A sentiment; an opinion.
The extravagant notion they entertain of themselves.
A perverse will easily collects together a system of notions to justify itself in its obliquity.
Notion
Sense; mind.
Notion
An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack; as, Yankee notions.
Notion
Inclination; intention; disposition; as, I have a notion to do it.
Notion
Miscellaneous small objects; sundries; - usually referring to articles displayed together for sale.
Notion
A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying
Notion
A general inclusive concept
Notion
An odd or fanciful or capricious idea;
The theatrical notion of disguise is associated with disaster in his stories
He had a whimsy about flying to the moon
Whimsy can be humorous to someone with time to enjoy it
Notion
(usually plural) small personal articles or clothing or sewing items;
Buttons and needles are notions
Notion
A belief lacking rigorous definition.
The notion that Earth was flat was once widespread.
Common Curiosities
What does Notion mean?
A notion is a more informal, general idea or belief.
Is Notion always informal?
Not necessarily, but it's generally less formal than a concept.
Are both Concept and Notion nouns?
Yes, both function primarily as nouns in English.
Which term is more complex?
A concept is generally more complex and involves a system of ideas.
What does Concept mean?
A concept is a well-defined, structured idea often backed by theory or research.
Is a Concept always based on research?
Often, but not always; it should be well-defined at least.
Can a Notion become a Concept?
Yes, if it's further defined and backed by evidence or theory.
What are the adjectives for Concept and Notion?
"Conceptual" for Concept and "Notional" for Notion.
Is a Concept more formal than a Notion?
Yes, a concept is usually more formal and well-defined.
Where is Concept used more often?
In academia and professional settings.
Which term is more specific?
A concept is usually more specific and well-defined.
Can a Notion be specific?
It's generally vaguer and more general.
Can a Concept be vague?
It shouldn't be; a well-defined concept is specific.
Are Concept and Notion interchangeable?
No, they have different levels of formality and specificity.
Where is Notion used more often?
In everyday language and casual discussions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Mortgage vs. Hypothecation
Next Comparison
Tie vs. TyingAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
