Preconceived describes an idea, opinion, or belief formed beforehand, especially without adequate evidence or before sufficient knowledge or experience is available. It implies a prejudgment or bias, shaping one's understanding or actions in a way that may not be objective or fair. Preconceived notions can stem from various sources, including upbringing, cultural influences, past experiences, or incomplete information. These pre-established ideas often act as filters, influencing how new information is received and interpreted, potentially leading to misunderstandings or skewed perspectives. It is critical to challenge Preconceived ideas to foster critical thinking and unbiased evaluations.
Preconceived meaning with examples
- Despite lacking concrete evidence, Sarah held a Preconceived notion that all politicians were corrupt. This bias clouded her judgment when evaluating policy proposals, leading her to dismiss any legislation regardless of its merit. Her Preconceived ideas about the character of politicians caused her to reject any attempt at compromise or dialogue based on Preconceived notions, even if that meant causing division.
- The marketing team's Preconceived idea that millennials were only interested in short-form video hindered their ability to effectively reach a wider audience. Their assumption about the target demographic shaped their campaign strategies, overlooking the potential of other digital platforms and formats. The company had to challenge and alter the initial Preconceived assumptions about marketing and target audiences.
- Before traveling abroad, John had a Preconceived image of the local culture. This created issues because his preconceptions led to culture shock, leading to an inability to adapt to new food, customs, and social norms. He found himself constantly comparing his experience to his initial expectations, rather than embracing the differences.
- The judge's Preconceived ideas about the defendant's social background impacted his ability to render a fair verdict. Evidence was overlooked and misinterpreted, resulting in an unfair sentence. The judge's inability to provide an unbiased and just court proceeding due to preconceptions led to a mistrial and a new judge.
- During the negotiation, the two parties came to the table with Preconceived expectations, making it difficult to reach an agreement. Both sides refused to compromise, adhering stubbornly to their initial positions, hindering productive dialogue and the potential for mutual gains. Neither party wished to change Preconceived ideas and assumptions.