preconcept

English

Etymology

From pre- +‎ concept.

Noun

preconcept (plural preconcepts)

1. The mental precursor to a fully-formed concept.
   • 2012, Andy Blunden, Concepts: A Critical Approach, page 247:

     But out of their earliest concept of number, as a preconcept, a true concept may be constructed, by the child becoming aware of their own mental operations using the preconcept.