Etymology Map
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Notion

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a concept or belief

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

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

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.