conceive
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 5It is difficult to conceive of a world without the internet.
It is hard to imagine a world that does not have the internet.
The committee met to conceive a new strategy for urban development.
The group met to create a new plan for building the city.
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
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
It is difficult to conceive of a world without the internet.
everydayIt is hard to imagine a world that does not have the internet.
The committee met to conceive a new strategy for urban development.
formalThe group met to create a new plan for building the city.
I just can't conceive how you managed to finish all that work so quickly!
informalI cannot understand how you did all that work so fast!
Ancient philosophers would often conceive of the soul as a distinct entity from the body.
academicOld thinkers used to think of the soul as something separate from the physical body.
Our marketing team needs to conceive a campaign that appeals to younger customers.
businessOur business team must design an advertisement plan for young people.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Perceive means to see, hear, or notice something using your senses; conceive means to create an idea in your mind.
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.
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.
Memory Tip
Link 'Conceive' with 'Concept'. You conceive a concept in your mind.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'concipere', which means 'to take in and hold'.
Grammar Patterns
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
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