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notion

notion, concept

noun noh-SYOHN Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Origin: Latin notio, 'concept'

Also means

basic knowledge (plural)

Usage Note

Notion in the singular means a concept or idea (la notion de liberté — 'the notion of freedom'). In the plural, des notions means a basic grasp of a subject (avoir des notions de russe — 'to have a smattering of Russian'). The distinction between singular and plural senses is important.

Examples

"Il a des notions de chimie."

Natural Translation

He has a basic knowledge of chemistry.

Literal Translation

He has notions of chemistry.

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