Conception

/kənˈsɛpʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The forming or devising of a plan or idea.
The conception of the project took over a year.
The process of beginning to form or develop in the mind.
Her conception of beauty is very different from the mainstream.
The creation of a new idea or concept.
The conception of the theory changed the way we understand physics.
The act of conceiving a child.
Their conception of a family was something they both wanted.
A general understanding or interpretation of something.
His conception of freedom varies depending on the context.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin conceptio(n-), from the verb concipere 'to conceive'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

basic conception:
A fundamental idea or understanding about a topic.
conception of the universe:
An individual's or culture's understanding of how the universe functions.
conception of art:
The interpretation or understanding of what constitutes art.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Get it on
They decided to get it on, leading to a rapid conception.
Knocked up
She found out she was knocked up after a night out.