notion

Where does the word "notion" come from? It comes from Latin notio, passing through French before entering English (1560s).

Notion’s story begins in Latin: notio meant “idea, examination.” From 'noscere', to know. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as notion. Cicero coined Latin 'notio' as a translation of Greek philosophical terms; American 'notions' meant small peddled goods by 1803. It reached English by 1560s as notion. 'notions' as small goods is American, from the 1800s. Today, notion means a concept or belief.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient notio "idea, examination", from 'noscere', to know.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s notion "notion", Cicero coined Latin 'notio' as a translation of Greek philosophical terms; American 'notions' meant small peddled goods by 1803.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1560s notion "idea", 'notions' as small goods is American, from the 1800s.