a received notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a received notion of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an idea or thought that has been widely accepted or generally believed by a particular group or society. For example: The received notion of beauty is that it must be symmetrical and perfect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As I can vouch for myself, an outsider may often cherish a received notion of his new home while seeing in it those flaws its natives either cannot or will not.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet a first response must be to feel how unencumbered — by any received notion of Bach or ballet — Balanchine was in making this still astoundingly fresh, vital ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

When Eyler talks about how the store will demonstrate his "strategic vision for renewing the company's growth heritage over the next few years," he's saying the same thing as Koolhaas when he says that "the epicenter store becomes a device that renews the brand by counteracting and destabilizing any received notion of what Prada is, does, or will become".

The New Yorker

(The animal also turned out to have been murdered by bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay – a story which rather undermines the received notion of an ever-smiling Flipper).

Independent

But in Davidson 1986 he casts doubt on the usefulness of the received notion of a language, including his former self among those who worked with that notion.

SEP

Tillmans operates somewhere between these two, constantly playing with the received notion of what makes a photograph.

The Guardian - Arts

Where Three Dreams Cross is an exhibition that sets out to challenge our received notion of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as mediated through the eyes of the west.

The Guardian - Arts

However, is there something about the egalitarian appeal of the high street, rather than the received notion of high fashion as an excluding, elitist playground of the rich and snipey, which may prove to be more important in its PR value than the turnover it will raise?

Independent

By stretching and coiling the bridge promenade, the received notion of the command center as a hermetic space is challenged and redefined as a topographical construct.

Yale University

Overall, Holt defies every received notion of the producer in modern theatre.

The Guardian - Books

An inspired reaction to the heritage industry of East End organised crime, it trained the sawn-off conventions of a gangster novel on received notions of masculinity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a received notion of" to critically examine widely accepted ideas, indicating that they might be subject to scrutiny or re-evaluation.

Common error

Don't use "a received notion of" simply to state a fact. This phrase implies that the notion is being questioned or analyzed, not just presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a received notion of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces an idea or belief that is widely accepted or generally believed. This often sets the stage for a critical examination or re-evaluation of the idea.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a received notion of" is a phrase used to introduce and often critique a widely accepted idea or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and typically used to set the stage for a discussion that challenges or examines the validity of that notion. While less frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times suggests its appropriateness in formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a critical analysis rather than a mere statement of fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conventional understanding of

Emphasizes that the idea is standard and widely accepted.

a traditional view of

Highlights the historical aspect and long-standing acceptance of the idea.

a common belief about

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of the idea as a matter of belief.

a generally accepted idea of

Underscores the broad agreement on the concept.

an established perception of

Highlights the firm establishment and widespread perception of the idea.

a prevalent assumption about

Focuses on the widespread and often unquestioned nature of the assumption.

a widely held view of

Emphasizes the broad acceptance and adherence to the viewpoint.

a typical conception of

Highlights how the concept is usually understood or imagined.

a standard interpretation of

Focuses on the conventional way the idea is understood or explained.

a customary understanding of

Highlights the habitual and long-standing nature of the understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a received notion of" in a sentence?

Use "a received notion of" to introduce a concept that is widely accepted but potentially flawed or open to interpretation. For example: "The received notion of success often prioritizes financial gain over personal fulfillment."

What are some alternatives to "a received notion of"?

You can use alternatives like "a common belief about", "a traditional view of", or "a generally accepted idea of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "received notion" or "commonly held belief"?

"Received notion" implies that the belief has been passed down or widely adopted without much questioning, while "commonly held belief" simply indicates that many people share the same belief. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the uncritical acceptance of the idea.

What does it mean to challenge a received notion?

To challenge a received notion means to question its validity, accuracy, or relevance. This often involves presenting evidence or arguments that contradict the prevailing understanding of the concept.