concept

[ kon-sept ]

noun

1. a general notion or idea; conception.
2. an idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars; a construct.
3. a directly conceived or intuited object of thought.

adjective

1. functioning as a prototype or model of new product or innovation:

   a concept car,

   a concept phone.

verb (used with object)

1. Informal. to develop a concept of; conceive:

   He concepted and produced three films.

concept

/ ˈkɒnsɛpt /

noun

1. an idea, esp an abstract idea

   the concepts of biology

2. philosophy a general idea or notion that corresponds to some class of entities and that consists of the characteristic or essential features of the class
3. philosophy
   1. the conjunction of all the characteristic features of something
   2. a theoretical construct within some theory
   3. a directly intuited object of thought
   4. the meaning of a predicate
4. modifier (of a product, esp a car) created as an exercise to demonstrate the technical skills and imagination of the designers, and not intended for mass production or sale

Word History and Origins

Origin of concept¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin conceptum “something conceived,” originally neuter of conceptus “conceived,” past participle of concipere “to conceive,” equivalent to con- con- ( def ) + -cipere, combining form of capere “to seize”

Word History and Origins

Origin of concept¹

C16: from Latin conceptum something received or conceived, from concipere to take in, conceive

Example Sentences

One significant solution implemented as a fail-safe for Level 4 automated vehicles is the concept of remote driving.

From Science Daily

Other researchers agree that Poulain has been crucial to lending scientific credibility to the blue zones—and say that without his input, the concept risks becoming more of a moneymaking venture.

From Science Magazine

Although the social media star was impressed by the sushi chain’s concept and style of ordering, he wasn’t a fan of the sushi rice, which he claimed was overcooked in several instances.

From Salon

The aim of the research is to lay the foundations for new concepts for the electronics of the future.

From Science Daily

To be able to say, “I’m defying gravity, I’m not allowing anything to keep me down,” that’s a really powerful concept.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approach
• conception
• image
• notion
• perception
• theory
• thought
• view