conceive

Pronunciation: kun-SEEV

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of conceive

To form or devise a plan, idea, or concept in the mind, often involving creative or abstract thought.

Origin of conceive

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: concipere

Original meaning: to take in, seize, or grasp

How it evolved: Initially used to mean 'to take or receive physically,' the term evolved to signify 'grasping ideas mentally' or 'forming concepts' over time.

The word 'conceive' originates from the Latin 'concipere,' meaning 'to take in, to receive, or to grasp mentally.'

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember conceive

Think of 'conceive' as 'con' (together) + 'ceive' (to take or receive), meaning to take ideas together in the mind to form something new.

Synonyms for conceive

  • imagine
  • envision
  • formulate
  • conceive of
  • visualize
  • design
  • originate
  • contrive

Antonyms of conceive

  • misunderstand
  • ignore
  • neglect
  • disregard

conceive in a Sentence

  1. The architect was able to conceive a groundbreaking design that blended modernity with sustainability.
  2. It is difficult to conceive how ancient civilizations constructed such monumental structures without modern technology.
  3. The scientist conceived a bold theory that redefined the way we understand the origins of the universe.

conceive in Literature & Culture

In classical literature and philosophy, 'conceive' is often associated with the creative and intellectual processes of great thinkers, such as in Shakespeare's works where characters 'conceive' grand schemes or ideas.

Usage Notes

While 'conceive' can refer to forming ideas or plans, it is also used in contexts related to pregnancy, meaning 'to become pregnant with a child.' Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity.

Why conceive Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears on the GRE in questions requiring nuanced understanding of abstract thinking, creativity, or intellectual processes.

Word Family

concept (noun)
An abstract idea or general notion.
conception (noun)
The action of conceiving an idea or plan; the way in which something is perceived or understood.
conceivable (adjective)
Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
conceivably (adverb)
Possibly or feasibly; in a way that can be imagined.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'conceive' shares its roots with the word 'concept,' highlighting the connection between forming ideas and mental abstraction.
  • The famous quote 'Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve' by Napoleon Hill underscores the importance of this word in motivational contexts.
  • In literature, 'conceive' is often used to describe characters imagining or devising ambitious plans, emphasizing their intellectual capacity.
  • perceive
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation