Conception Meaning and Definition
Conception
Pronunciation
/sənˈsɛpʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The process or product of forming a mental or emotional image, concept, or idea, especially in relation to artistic creation or human perception.
Examples
- The artist’s conception of the cityscape was highly realistic.
- The team’s conception of the project was to create a sustainable solution.
Synonyms
- Thought
- Idea
Antonyms
- Reality
- Skepticism
Etymology
The word “conception” comes from the Latin term “conceptio”, meaning “getting together” or “formation”, which is derived from “con-” meaning “together” and “cepio” meaning “to take” or “to form”.
Usage Notes
The word “conception” is often used in artistic and creative contexts, but it can also be applied to scientific and philosophical ideas.
Cultural References
The word “conception” has been featured in various works of literature, music, and film, including novels by Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, and songs by The Beatles and David Bowie.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To conceive an idea
- To bring something into conception
Related Words or Phrases
- Perception
- Imagination
- Creation
Collocations
- To conceive a plan
- To bring an idea into conception
Frequency of Use
The word “conception” is relatively infrequent in everyday language, but it is commonly used in creative and intellectual contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Conceit
- Conscript