How to pronounce notion
Say it like NOH-shun. Notion has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce notion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOH
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Notion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of notion
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: NOH-shun.
What does notion mean?
- a vague idea in which some confidence is placed“his impression of her was favorable”“what are your feelings about the crisis?”
- a general inclusive concept
- 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”
Where does notion come from?
From Latin nōtiō (“a becoming acquainted, a taking cognizance, an examination, an investigation, a conception, idea, notion”), from nōscō (“to know”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with notion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of notion.
Questions about saying notion
How do you pronounce notion?
Say NOH-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈnoʊʃən/. In British English it is /ˈnəʊʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in notion?
Notion has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOH). Broken into parts: NOH · shun.
Is notion pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈnəʊʃən/ (NOH-shun).