A2 adjective Neutral #596 most common

conceive

/kənˈsiːv/

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

Examples

3 of 5
1

It is difficult to conceive of a world without the internet.

It is hard to imagine a world that does not have the internet.

2

The committee met to conceive a new strategy for urban development.

The group met to create a new plan for building the city.

3

I just can't conceive how you managed to finish all that work so quickly!

I cannot understand how you did all that work so fast!

Word Family

Noun
conception
Verb
conceive
Adverb
conceivably
Adjective
conceivable
Related
concept
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Memory Tip

Link 'Conceive' with 'Concept'. You conceive a concept in your mind.

Quick Quiz

Scientists find it difficult to ____ of a way to travel faster than light.

Correct!

The correct answer is: conceive

Examples

1

It is difficult to conceive of a world without the internet.

everyday

It is hard to imagine a world that does not have the internet.

2

The committee met to conceive a new strategy for urban development.

formal

The group met to create a new plan for building the city.

3

I just can't conceive how you managed to finish all that work so quickly!

informal

I cannot understand how you did all that work so fast!

4

Ancient philosophers would often conceive of the soul as a distinct entity from the body.

academic

Old thinkers used to think of the soul as something separate from the physical body.

5

Our marketing team needs to conceive a campaign that appeals to younger customers.

business

Our business team must design an advertisement plan for young people.

Word Family

Noun
conception
Verb
conceive
Adverb
conceivably
Adjective
conceivable
Related
concept

Common Collocations

conceive an idea to think of a new idea
conceive a child to become pregnant
hard to conceive difficult to imagine or believe
newly conceived recently created or started
conceive of a possibility to think that something might happen

Common Phrases

conceive of something

to imagine or think about something in a specific way

ill-conceived

badly planned or thought out

preconceived notion

an idea formed before you have enough information

Often Confused With

conceive vs perceive

Perceive means to see, hear, or notice something using your senses; conceive means to create an idea in your mind.

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Usage Notes

When 'conceive' means to imagine, it is almost always followed by the preposition 'of'. When it refers to pregnancy, 'of' is not used.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'conceive to' when they should say 'conceive of'. For example, 'I can't conceive of a reason' is correct, but 'I can't conceive to a reason' is incorrect.

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Memory Tip

Link 'Conceive' with 'Concept'. You conceive a concept in your mind.

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Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'concipere', which means 'to take in and hold'.

Grammar Patterns

Regular verb: conceives (present), conceived (past), conceiving (continuous) Often used in the pattern: conceive of + [noun/gerund]
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Cultural Context

The word is frequently used in formal medical contexts regarding fertility, as well as in high-level intellectual discussions about innovation.

Quick Quiz

Scientists find it difficult to ____ of a way to travel faster than light.

Correct!

The correct answer is: conceive

Related Words

abmultant

C1

To diversify or branch out extensively from a single origin into multiple complex channels, forms, or applications. It describes the process of systemic expansion where a core entity multiplies its variety or reach.

microdoccide

C1

A specialized chemical substance or agent used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It is primarily utilized in industrial, medical, and laboratory settings to ensure sterilization and prevent contamination.

circumminty

C1

The specific micro-atmosphere or olfactory 'halo' of coolness and freshness that surrounds an aromatic source, particularly mint plants or mentholated substances. It describes the spatial reach of a refreshing scent within a localized environment.

micromortious

C1

To calculate or estimate the minute probability of death associated with a specific action, typically measured in units representing a one-in-a-million chance. This verb is used to statistically assess the inherent danger of activities by quantifying potential mortality risks.

underpeline

C1

To provide a strong foundational support or to reinforce the underlying structure of an argument, theory, or physical entity. It describes the act of strengthening the core elements that hold a complex system or idea together to ensure stability.

misdictious

C1

To communicate or record verbal information inaccurately, specifically by confusing similar-sounding words or misinterpreting dictated instructions. It is primarily used in technical or test-based contexts to describe a failure in precise verbal transmission.

proscriber

C1

To officially forbid or prohibit something by law, decree, or social authority. It can also refer to the act of denouncing or condemning a person or group as harmful or dangerous.

triprehendful

C1

A triprehendful refers to a specific quantity of complex information or a situation that requires three distinct perspectives or levels of analysis to be fully grasped. It describes an amount of data or conceptual difficulty that is multifaceted and cannot be simplified into a binary explanation.

adcedency

C1

Adcedency refers to the state of rising to or holding a position of dominant power, influence, or governing authority. It describes the condition of being in control or having a superior status over others in a specific hierarchy or field.

postdynery

C1

To engage in the practice of lingering at a table after a meal has concluded to enjoy conversation and social bonding. This verb describes the transition from the physical act of eating to the intellectual or social act of communal reflection.

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