predetermined notion

USAGE SUMMARY

'predetermined notion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about an idea or belief that was decided before any further investigation was conducted. For example, "He had a predetermined notion that he would not like the new restaurant, but he ended up enjoying his meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Her exteriors seem to be shaped by the movement inside and around them, rather than by some predetermined notion of external form.

The New Yorker

"There was a certain freedom in not having a predetermined notion of where you're going and how everyone's stories will turn out," said Mr. Whitaker, 43.

The New York Times

The part that truly becomes inspirational to a higher plane of living is when the suit, now fully infused with human energy, can be something of its own without the external judgment of the viewer and without a predetermined notion from the model of who s/he is supposed to be, how s/he is supposed to act, how s/he is supposed to feel and how s/he is supposed to communicate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Because of the whole "without a predetermined agenda" notion, he actually seemed hesitant to weigh in about anti-porn advocacy, since this kind of advocacy is just not part of his job description.

Vice

Because of the whole, "without a predetermined agenda," notion, he actually seemed hesitant to weigh in about anti-porn advocacy, since this kind of advocacy is just not part of his job description.

Vice

In the absence of a sound theoretical model, a linear vision of recovery currently guides mental health programs and services; they advocate that the individual follow a series of predetermined steps based on notions of normalization to attain structured objectives [ 21, 22].

BMC Health Services Research

Participants held strong religious beliefs; they spoke of the notion that 'everything is predetermined'.

BMJ Open

Further studies examining the mode of germ cell specification in several of the above lineages will provide powerful data to test the intriguing notion that the acquisition of predetermined germ cell specification permits or even drives the loss of POU5F1[ 32].

BMC Biology

But even in less repressive regimes, the notion that your destiny is not predetermined by that of your parents carries a lot of currency.

The Guardian - Film

The earliest recordings of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington eloquently and adamantly rid listeners of the notion that music needed to be wholly predetermined to be considered high art.

The New Yorker

We strongly disagree with Charles Murray's notion that many charter schools aren't living up to their promise because student success is predetermined by home life and parental involvement ("Why Charter Schools Fail the Test," Op-Ed, May 5).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predetermined notion" when you want to emphasize that an idea or belief was formed in advance, possibly without sufficient evidence or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "predetermined notion" interchangeably with "preconceived notion" if you want to suggest a neutral connotation. "Predetermined" suggests a stronger degree of inflexibility or pre-planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predetermined notion" functions as a noun phrase, where "predetermined" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "notion". The phrase identifies a specific type of idea or belief, emphasizing that it was established beforehand. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predetermined notion" refers to an idea or belief that has been established in advance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and can be useful in various writing contexts to indicate that someone approaches a situation with a pre-existing idea. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is found in news, media, and science-related contexts. When choosing to use it, be mindful of its subtle negative connotations related to inflexibility. Consider alternatives such as "preconceived idea" or "fixed mindset" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predetermined assumption

Replaces 'notion' with 'assumption', suggesting a belief taken for granted.

preconceived idea

Uses 'preconceived' to emphasize the idea was formed beforehand.

predetermined conclusion

Emphasizes the finality of the idea.

fixed mindset

Implies a rigid and unchangeable way of thinking.

settled belief

Suggests the notion is firmly established and resistant to change.

prior conviction

Highlights a firm belief held previously.

established view

Highlights that the notion is widely accepted or long-standing.

preset idea

Uses 'preset' as a more informal substitute for 'predetermined'.

foregone conclusion

Indicates the notion leads to an inevitable outcome.

preordained concept

Implies that the concept was determined by a higher power or fate.

FAQs

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

You can use "predetermined notion" to describe an idea or belief that someone has formed in advance, often without considering all the facts. For example, "Her argument was based on a "predetermined notion" that all teenagers are irresponsible."

What's a good alternative to "predetermined notion"?

Alternatives include "preconceived idea", "fixed mindset", or "settled belief" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "predetermined notion" the same as "preconceived notion"?

While similar, "predetermined notion" suggests a more rigid and inflexible idea, perhaps even intentionally planned in advance. "Preconceived notion" is a more general term for an idea formed beforehand, which may or may not be as firmly fixed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "predetermined notion"?

Use "predetermined notion" when you wish to emphasize that an idea has been decided upon in advance, potentially limiting open-mindedness or objective consideration. This phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation.