high notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high notion" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used to refer to an elevated or lofty idea, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "She had a high notion of what success should look like, often dreaming of grand achievements."

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In his note of thanks, Darwin wrote: "From quotations which I had seen I had a high notion of Aristotle's merits, but I had not the most remote notion of what a wonderful man he was.

The Guardian - Books

As for whether there will continue to be readers who share this high notion of fiction, well, "there's no future to that question," as Duke Ellington replied when asked why he was to be found playing morning programs at the Apollo.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such high notions.

The Guardian - Books

"She has high notions," Mena says disdainfully, as she plots with the matchmaker (Patrick Fitzgerald) to arrange a marriage for Sive, ruining her dreams and her romance with a young man.

The New York Times

It's also a tribute to a higher notion of culture, an uninhibited one that admits the bodily drives without shame or reproach.

The New Yorker

How ironic that Perrier, which is owned by Nestle, undermines the very highest notion of human possibilities by doing the very thing that should not have entered the realms of possibility.

The Guardian

The clip below highlights the higher notions behind Mann's filmic devotion to Miller's artistry.

The New Yorker

Jevons also takes distance from Comte's positivistic philosophy, by arguing — like Spencer — that scientific reflection on higher notions of creation must necessarily end up in contradictions.

SEP

"What would have happened to the human race if Abraham had... kept his higher notions to himself, and no specific Jewish people had come into being?

Huffington Post

And with the Sea Kings 31-33 Pacific Coast League victory over visiting University Friday at Newport Harbor High the notion of royalty has proved prophetic.

Los Angeles Times

"The early 80's was when the quote-unquote high-concept notion infected the studios, and infected is a good word for it," said Terry Press, chief of marketing at DreamWorks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high notion" when you want to convey that someone has an elevated or perhaps unrealistic idea about something. Be mindful of the context to ensure it doesn't come across as overly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "high notion" excessively in formal or academic writing. It can sometimes sound vague or less precise than alternatives like "ambitious goal" or "idealistic concept".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "high notion" is as a noun phrase, where "high" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "notion". It typically describes an elevated, ambitious, or idealistic idea. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high notion" is an adjective-noun phrase used to describe an elevated or ambitious idea. While grammatically correct, it is considered rare in contemporary English. Ludwig AI also points out that the expression is not very common. Usage contexts from Ludwig reveal its presence in news media, books, and scientific articles, indicating a generally neutral register. Alternatives like "lofty idea" or "ambitious goal" may offer more precise or common ways to convey similar meanings, especially in formal writing. When using "high notion", be aware of its relative infrequency and ensure that it accurately conveys the intended sense of an elevated or idealistic idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lofty idea

Replaces "high" with "lofty", emphasizing the elevated and idealistic nature of the idea.

idealistic concept

Replaces "notion" with "concept", emphasizing the theoretical and principled nature of the idea.

lofty goal

Expresses a high target or objective.

grand ambition

Shifts from idea to ambition, highlighting the scale and aspiration of the goal.

elevated aspiration

Combines the sense of height and ambition, focusing on a goal that is both high and desirable.

noble ideal

Emphasizes the moral and ethical dimension of the idea.

exalted vision

Highlights the visionary and inspirational aspect of the idea.

ambitious plan

Focuses on the practical application of a high-reaching idea.

visionary concept

Highlights innovative and forward-thinking quality.

grandiose scheme

Suggests a plan that is impressive but potentially impractical.

FAQs

How can I use "high notion" in a sentence?

You can use "high notion" to describe someone's elevated or ambitious idea. For example: "She had a "high notion" of what her career should look like." However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not commonly used.

What are some alternatives to "high notion"?

Alternatives to "high notion" include "lofty idea", "grand ambition", or "idealistic concept" depending on the specific context.

Is "high notion" grammatically correct?

Yes, "high notion" is grammatically correct as an adjective-noun phrase, but it is not a frequently used expression. Its rare nature may make your writing sound stilted.

What's the difference between "high notion" and "ambitious goal"?

"High notion" refers more to an abstract idea or belief, while "ambitious goal" suggests a specific, high-reaching objective that someone is actively trying to achieve.