Preconcebida

Preconcebida is the feminine singular form of the Portuguese adjective preconcebido, used to describe a thought, belief, or judgment formed beforehand and typically without adequate evidence. The word derives from pré- and conceber, meaning to conceive in advance. In everyday language, it commonly appears in collocations such as ideia preconcebida, opinião preconcebida, visão preconcebida, or concepção preconcebida, referring to notions that influence perception or evaluation before full information is available.

The concept is closely related to but distinct from prejudice (preconceito) and cognitive bias, which describe attitudes toward people or regarding information processing; however, a preconcebida can contribute to biased judgments or stereotypes. In academic and media discourse, labeling something as preconcebida highlights the risk of unaudited assumptions affecting reasoning, decision-making, or public debate. The term also appears in discussions about critical thinking, methodology, and ethics, emphasizing the importance of challenging preconcebidas with evidence and open inquiry.

Usage notes: It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, e.g., uma ideia preconcebida, uma opinião preconcebida, ideias preconcebidas, opiniões preconcebidas. Related forms include preconcebido (masculine) and preconceituoso/preconceituosa (prejudiced person or attitude).

See also: preconceito, viés cognitivo, estereótipo, conceito, pensamento crítico.