noun
notion
NOH-shuhn/ˈnəʊʃn/
An idea or belief about something.
The woman's rough sketch expresses her notion of bridging the channel with a plank.
Etymology
Latin notio named a concept or idea and was formed from a verb meaning “come to know.” English extended this mental-conception sense to an opinion or a somewhat vague belief.
In context
it's this notion if you put a guard in a guard Tower and and tint the windows the inmates have to assume they're being watched all of the time and it exerts control over them
More examples
- I have only a vague notion of how this works.
- His notions about healthy eating change with every new study.
- The book challenges our notion of what makes a family.
Forms
notion · notions
notional adjective — Existing as an idea rather than reality.
Similar words
- idea
- A broader term that also includes plans and suggestions.
- belief
- Suggests stronger acceptance that something is true or real.
- impression
- Emphasizes an understanding formed through limited observation or experience.