Pronunciation: [ɹɪsˈiːvd a͡ɪdˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "received idea" can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "re-", is pronounced as /ɹi:/, while "ceived" is pronounced as /sɪvd/. The second syllable, "idea", is pronounced as /aɪˈdɪə/. The phrase means a commonly accepted or established notion or belief, and its correct spelling is important for effective communication in both written and spoken contexts.
Received idea refers to a commonly accepted or widely held belief, opinion, or perception that has been passed down through generations or widely propagated within a particular society or community. It is a concept commonly observed in cultural, social, and intellectual spheres, where ideas and ideologies are transmitted, reinforced, and accepted by individuals either consciously or unconsciously.
A received idea tends to possess an enduring quality, often becoming deeply ingrained within a society's norms, values, and traditions. It is typically transmitted through various means such as education, family, media, or religious institutions. Due to its pervasiveness, a received idea may influence and shape an individual's worldview and understanding of the world around them.
However, a received idea is not necessarily based on rationality, empirical evidence, or personal experience. Instead, it may be rooted in tradition, authority, or collective mentality. Consequently, received ideas may contain biases, stereotypes, or misconceptions, limiting individual critical thinking and dissenting perspectives.
Challenging received ideas is crucial for intellectual progress, as it encourages critical examination, evaluation, and reassessment of established beliefs. Such examination can lead to the recognition of flaws, biases, and limitations within accepted ideas, providing scope for new knowledge, innovation, and growth. The exploration and critique of received ideas enable societies and individuals to evolve, adapt, and expand their understanding of the world and its complexities.
Overall, received ideas constitute an essential aspect of human culture and society, and understanding their origins, effects, and transformation is essential for a well-informed and dynamic intellectual discourse.
The term "received idea" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of common English words. However, the term itself can be traced back to the French phrase "idée reçue", which translates to "received idea". This French expression was popularized by the philosopher and writer François de La Rochefoucauld in his book "Maximes" published in 1665. In this work, he critiqued the widespread beliefs and biases that people unquestioningly accept without critical examination, referring to them as "idées reçues". Over time, this phrase made its way into the English language as "received idea", referring to concepts or opinions that are accepted as true without thorough consideration or evidence.
