Which English term describes a preconceived notion held before evidence?

• A. Preconception
• B. Prejudice
• C. Assumption
• D. Stereotype

Answer: (A)

A belief formed before you see the facts is a preconception. The word itself signals that the idea exists prior to evidence, so it describes a preconceived notion you’re carrying into the situation. It’s a neutral term about timing, not about whether the belief is fair or accurate. In contrast, prejudice and stereotype point to biased attitudes about people or groups, and an assumption is a belief taken as true without proof but doesn’t inherently highlight forming it before any evidence. So the term that best captures “a preconceived notion held before evidence” is preconception. For example, entering an analysis with a preconception about the outcome can color how you evaluate new data.