Difference Between
versus

Concept vs. Notion: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
A concept is a general idea or understanding, especially an abstract or theoretical one, while a notion is a belief, opinion, or idea about something, often less concrete and more speculative.
Concept vs. Notion

Key Differences

A concept is a fundamental category of existence, a mental construct that represents a class of things or ideas, grounded in reality or theory. Notion, on the other hand, refers to a personal belief or opinion, often less formal and more speculative or subjective in nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In language, a concept typically denotes a more established or widely accepted idea, often used in academic, scientific, or philosophical discourse. Notion is more colloquial, reflecting personal or less universal ideas, often used in casual conversation or personal reflections.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Concepts are usually formed through a process of abstraction, categorization, and generalization, often based on empirical evidence or logical reasoning. Notions are more likely to be based on individual experiences, perceptions, or interpretations, and can be more fluid or changeable.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Concepts often have a broader scope and a more universal application, transcending individual perspectives. They can form the basis of theories and models. Notions are more individualistic, representing a personal point of view or a specific, possibly fleeting, idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In various fields like science, philosophy, and mathematics, the term concept is frequently used to describe fundamental principles or theories. In contrast, notions are more often found in everyday discourse, literature, and personal narratives, reflecting individual ideas or opinions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

A generalized idea representing a class of things
A personal belief or speculative idea
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Nature

Abstract, theoretical, often universal
Subjective, individual, often speculative
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Formation

Through abstraction, categorization
Based on personal experiences, perceptions
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Usage

In academic, scientific contexts
In casual, personal contexts
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Stability

Generally stable and widely accepted
More fluid, subject to change
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Concept and Notion Definitions

Concept

An abstract idea or general notion.
Her concept of freedom differed greatly from his.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Notion

A vague or rudimentary understanding.
She had only a basic notion of computer programming.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Concept

A plan or intention.
The architect's concept for the new building was innovative.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Notion

An impulse or desire, especially one of a whimsical kind.
She bought the hat on a sudden notion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Concept

A guiding principle or theory.
Evolution is a central concept in biology.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Notion

A belief or opinion.
He had a notion that the plan wouldn't work.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Concept

A mental representation of a class or category.
The concept of gravity explains why objects fall towards the earth.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Notion

An individual's perception or judgement.
Her notions of right and wrong were clear.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Concept

A thought or notion formed by mentally combining characteristics.
The concept of a utopian society has intrigued many
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Notion

A belief or opinion
Had an old-fashioned notion of what qualities were most important in a mate.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

A general idea or understanding of something
The concept of inertia.
The concept of free will.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A mental image; an idea or conception
Do you have any notion of what I'm referring to?.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

A plan or original idea
The original concept was for a building with 12 floors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

An impulse or whim
I suddenly had the notion of walking by the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

A unifying idea or theme, especially for a product or service
A new restaurant concept.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Notions Small lightweight items for household use, such as needles, buttons, and thread.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

Having an experimental or strikingly different design, especially to test or demonstrate new features
A concept car.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Mental apprehension of whatever may be known, thought, or imagined; idea, concept.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A sentiment; an opinion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

Understanding retained in the mind, from experience, reasoning and imagination; a generalization (generic, basic form), or abstraction (mental impression), of a particular set of instances or occurrences (specific, though different, recorded manifestations of the concept).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

(obsolete) Sense; mind.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

(colloquial) An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack.
Yankee notions
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

To conceive; to dream up
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Any small article used in sewing and haberdashery, either for attachment to garments or as a tool, such as a button, zipper, or thimble.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

An abstract general conception; a notion; a universal.
The words conception, concept, notion, should be limited to the thought of what can not be represented in the imagination; as, the thought suggested by a general term.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

(colloquial) Inclination; intention; disposition.
I have a notion' to do it.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Concept

An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Mental apprehension of whatever may be known or imagined; an idea; a conception; more properly, a general or universal conception, as distinguishable or definable by marks or notæ.
What hath been generally agreed on, I content myself to assume under the notion of principles.
Few agree in their notions about these words.
That notion of hunger, cold, sound, color, thought, wish, or fear which is in the mind, is called the "idea" of hunger, cold, etc.
Notion, again, signifies either the act of apprehending, signalizing, that is, the remarking or taking note of, the various notes, marks, or characters of an object which its qualities afford, or the result of that act.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A sentiment; an opinion.
The extravagant notion they entertain of themselves.
A perverse will easily collects together a system of notions to justify itself in its obliquity.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Sense; mind.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack; as, Yankee notions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Inclination; intention; disposition; as, I have a notion to do it.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

Miscellaneous small objects; sundries; - usually referring to articles displayed together for sale.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A general inclusive concept
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

An odd or fanciful or capricious idea;
The theatrical notion of disguise is associated with disaster in his stories
He had a whimsy about flying to the moon
Whimsy can be humorous to someone with time to enjoy it
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

(usually plural) small personal articles or clothing or sewing items;
Buttons and needles are notions
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Notion

A fanciful or imaginative idea.
He entertained notions of becoming a writer.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a notion?

A notion is a belief, opinion, or idea, often based on individual perception.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Are concepts always based on facts?

Concepts are often grounded in facts or theories but can also include abstract or theoretical ideas not directly tied to empirical evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can notions become concepts?

Yes, personal notions can evolve into broader concepts if they gain wider acceptance or are substantiated by evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is a concept always universal?

While concepts often aim for universality, they can still be influenced by cultural or contextual factors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How is a concept different from a notion?

Concepts are usually more abstract, universal, and based on reasoning, while notions are more personal, subjective, and speculative.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can a notion be proven wrong?

Yes, a notion can be proven wrong if it contradicts established facts or logical reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

What is a concept?

A concept is a general idea or understanding, often abstract or theoretical.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Do notions have less value than concepts?

Not necessarily. Notions can provide valuable insights and perspectives, even though they may be more subjective.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Are there any disciplines that study concepts specifically?

Philosophy, cognitive science, and linguistics are some fields that study concepts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Do concepts play a role in scientific research?

Yes, concepts are fundamental in formulating hypotheses, theories, and models in scientific research.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Are concepts more complex than notions?

Concepts can be more complex as they often integrate various ideas and evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How do notions impact decision-making?

Notions, based on personal beliefs or experiences, can significantly influence an individual's decision-making.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Is a concept the same as a theory?

A concept is a building block of a theory, but a theory is a more comprehensive explanation of phenomena.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Are concepts static or dynamic?

Concepts can evolve as new information or interpretations emerge, so they are dynamic.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can notions be shared or are they always individual?

Notions can be shared, but they often originate from individual perceptions or beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can notions be culturally influenced?

Yes, notions can be heavily influenced by cultural norms and values.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How do art and literature use notions?

Art and literature often use notions to express individual perspectives, emotions, and imaginative ideas.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How are notions formed?

Notions are typically formed based on personal experiences, emotions, or spontaneous thoughts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

How do personal biases affect notions?

Personal biases can shape and sometimes distort notions, leading to subjective or skewed perspectives.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Can a concept exist without language?

Concepts can exist as mental constructs, but language often helps in their articulation and sharing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Android TV vs. Tizen TVAndroid TV vs. Tizen TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 26, 2024
Android TV is a smart TV platform powered by Google's Android OS, offering extensive app compatibility, while Tizen TV is Samsung's smart TV OS, known for its smooth interface and integration with Samsung devices.
Mom vs. SonMom vs. Son
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 29, 2024
Mom typically refers to a female parent, emphasizing nurturing and caregiving roles, while a son is a male child of parents, highlighting familial lineage and male offspring dynamics.
Pastor vs. ReverendPastor vs. Reverend
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 23, 2024
A pastor is a religious leader of a Christian congregation, while reverend is a title used to address or refer to Christian clergy.
Million vs. BillionMillion vs. Billion
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
A million is 1,000,000, while a billion is 1,000,000,000; a billion is a thousand times larger than a million.
Shriners vs. MasonsShriners vs. Masons
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
Shriners are a subgroup within Freemasonry known for charitable work, especially children's hospitals; Masons are members of the larger, older fraternity of Freemasonry with broader goals and activities.
Rescind vs. RevokeRescind vs. Revoke
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
July 10, 2024
Rescind involves officially cancelling a decision or agreement; revoke means to officially cancel the validity of something, often involving rights or licenses.
Symmetric vs. SymmetricalSymmetric vs. Symmetrical
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 9, 2024
Symmetric implies balance and equality in parts or arrangement, while symmetrical explicitly refers to mirror-like or harmonious proportions.
Coordinator vs. SupervisorCoordinator vs. Supervisor
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 30, 2024
A coordinator aligns team tasks for efficiency, focusing on project logistics; a supervisor oversees staff performance, guiding and evaluating work.
Positivism vs. Post-PositivismPositivism vs. Post-Positivism
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
May 26, 2024
Positivism emphasizes observable, empirical evidence and the scientific method, while post-positivism recognizes the limitations of pure objectivity and incorporates subjective perspectives.
Fascism vs. DictatorshipFascism vs. Dictatorship
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 2, 2024
Fascism is a political ideology with authoritarian nationalism; dictatorship is a governance form with absolute power in one person or group, differing in ideology and structure.
McAfee LiveSafe vs. McAfee Total ProtectionMcAfee LiveSafe vs. McAfee Total Protection
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 22, 2024
McAfee LiveSafe offers unlimited device protection including identity, data, and personal security, while McAfee Total Protection focuses more on malware, virus defense, and internet security for limited devices.
Mercy vs. CompassionMercy vs. Compassion
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 18, 2024
Mercy involves leniency or forgiveness towards someone in one’s power, often not giving a punishment deserved, while compassion is the empathetic understanding and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
ASCII vs. EBCDICASCII vs. EBCDIC
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 28, 2024
ASCII is a 7-bit character encoding standard for text; EBCDIC is an 8-bit character encoding used mainly in IBM mainframe systems.
Ash vs. SootAsh vs. Soot
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
November 19, 2024
Ash is the residue left after combustion, mainly composed of mineral matter, while soot is a fine black powder formed by incomplete combustion of fuel.
NM3 vs. M3NM3 vs. M3
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 19, 2024
NM3 measures gas volume under Normal conditions (0°C and 1.01325 bar), while M3 measures volume under the conditions at which it is measured, without standard adjustment.
The Atlantic vs. The New YorkerThe Atlantic vs. The New Yorker
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 27, 2024
The Atlantic is a magazine focusing on news, politics, and cultural commentary, while The New Yorker features a mix of reporting, commentary, criticism, fiction, and cartoons.
Paranormal vs. SupernaturalParanormal vs. Supernatural
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2024
Paranormal involves phenomena beyond scientific explanation, focusing on events like ghost sightings. Supernatural encompasses all beyond natural laws, including deities and magic.
TPU vs. PUTPU vs. PU
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 26, 2024
TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer with high elasticity and durability, while PU, or polyurethane, is versatile with varying hardness and used in multiple applications.
Parish vs. CountyParish vs. County
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 26, 2024
A parish is a local church community or its jurisdiction area, whereas a county is a larger administrative division in a state or country.
Broadsheet vs. TabloidBroadsheet vs. Tabloid
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.
Report vs. ArticleReport vs. Article
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
July 20, 2024
A report presents findings or results, often following research or analysis, while an article is a written piece on a wide range of topics, primarily for information or entertainment.
Bachelor vs. BatchelorBachelor vs. Batchelor
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 22, 2024
"Bachelor" refers to an unmarried man; "Batchelor" is a less common spelling, often a surname or a place name, not used in the context of marital status.
Microfiber vs. PolyesterMicrofiber vs. Polyester
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
March 1, 2024
Microfiber is a type of polyester with finer threads, offering superior softness and cleaning ability, while polyester is more versatile and durable.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons