Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Do not hold any preconception about people.
notion
Understanding the Question: Finding the Nearest Meaning
The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "preconception" in the given sentence: "Do not hold any preconception about people."
To answer this, we need to understand what "preconception" means and then compare its meaning to the meanings of the given options.
Defining Preconception
A preconception is an idea or opinion that is formed before having enough information or experience. It is a preconceived idea or prejudice. Often, these ideas are not based on facts or reality but on prior beliefs or assumptions. Holding preconceptions about people means having fixed ideas about them before you truly know them.
Analyzing the Options for Preconception
Let's look at the meanings of the options provided:
- notion: A notion is a conception of or belief about something. It can be an idea, an impression, or a belief, often a vague one.
- experiment: An experiment is a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. It involves conducting a test or trial.
- great idea: A great idea is an excellent or significant thought or suggestion about a possible course of action or innovation.
- conceit: Conceit refers to excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities. It can also mean a fanciful expression or idea.
Comparing Preconception with the Options
Now let's compare the meaning of "preconception" with the meanings of the options:
- Preconception vs. notion: A preconception is a type of idea or belief held beforehand. A notion is also an idea or belief. While "notion" is a more general term than "preconception" (which specifically implies the idea is formed *beforehand* and potentially without sufficient basis), it is the closest option that represents a thought or belief held by someone. A preconception is essentially a particular kind of notion.
- Preconception vs. experiment: An experiment is a practical test or procedure, which is very different from an idea or belief about someone or something.
- Preconception vs. great idea: While a preconception is an idea, the term "great idea" specifically implies a positive and significant one. A preconception is not necessarily "great"; it can be negative, neutral, or even inaccurate.
- Preconception vs. conceit: Conceit is about pride or self-admiration, which is unrelated to having a preconceived idea about others.
Based on this comparison, "notion" is the word that is nearest in meaning to "preconception" because both refer to an idea or belief someone holds. A preconception is a specific type of notion – one formed in advance.
Detailed Explanation of Why Notion is Correct
The sentence "Do not hold any preconception about people" advises against having ready-made, often unfounded, ideas about individuals before interacting with or getting to know them properly. These preconceived ideas are types of beliefs or thoughts. Among the given options, "notion" is the general term for an idea, belief, or opinion. Therefore, a preconception is a specific kind of notion that is held beforehand.
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to Preconception |
|---|---|---|
| Preconception | An idea or opinion formed beforehand, often without sufficient evidence. | The core word to define and match. |
| Notion | An idea, belief, or impression. | Nearest in meaning as it refers to an idea or belief. |
| Experiment | A scientific test or procedure. | Not related to an idea or belief. |
| Great idea | An excellent thought or suggestion. | Too specific (implies "great") and doesn't capture the premature nature of a preconception. |
| Conceit | Excessive pride; a fanciful idea. | Mainly related to pride, not a general preconceived idea about others. |
Thus, "notion" is the most appropriate choice as the nearest meaning to "preconception".
Revision Table: Preconception Meaning
| Term | Key Characteristic | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Preconception | Idea/opinion formed BEFORE full information; often biased. | Having a preconception that a place is dangerous before visiting. |
| Notion | General idea, belief, or impression. | Having a vague notion of how something works. |
Additional Information: Understanding Related Concepts
Let's explore some related terms to better understand the nuances of "preconception":
- Prejudice: This is a strong example of a harmful preconception, typically negative, formed about a group of people (based on race, religion, gender, etc.) without knowing them personally.
- Stereotype: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Stereotypes are often the basis for preconceptions and prejudices.
- Assumption: Something that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof. Preconceptions often stem from assumptions.
- Bias: A predisposition towards one particular point of view or ideology. Preconceptions can reflect or contribute to personal bias.
Avoiding preconceptions is important for fair judgment and open-mindedness when interacting with the world and its people.
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