conceptual

[ kuhn-sep-choo-uhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to concepts or to the forming of concepts.

conceptual

/ kənˈsɛptjʊəl /

adjective

1. relating to or concerned with concepts; abstract
2. concerned with the definitions or relations of the concepts of some field of enquiry rather than with the facts

Derived Forms

• conˈceptually, adverb

Other Words From

• con·cep·tu·al·i·ty [k, uh, n-sep-choo-, al, -i-tee], noun
• con·cep·tu·al·ly adverb
• non·con·cep·tu·al adjective
• post·con·cep·tu·al adjective
• un·con·cep·tu·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceptual¹

First recorded in 1655–65; Medieval Latin conceptuālis; conceptus, -al ¹

Example Sentences

He noted that teleparallel gravity — the conceptual unified theory imagined by Einstein — has “various problems,” starting with local Lorentz symmetry, or the theory that in physics the laws are the same for all observers moving relative to each other.

From Salon

The "upper middle-class" label invoked by Reich is an effort to crawl out of the conceptual and terminological morass: Who or what is the middle class, exactly, and how useful is it to split that up into the "upper" or "lower" or "Black" or "suburban" middle classes to suit a particular point?

From Salon

This Wooster Group offering moves the company closer to conceptual installation art.

From Los Angeles Times

A Brooklyn native, Ka was best known for channeling his personal battles and feelings into conceptual songs, including “Conflicted,” “Mourn at Night” and “Sirens.”

From Los Angeles Times

For Sebastian Hernandez — a creative director, performance artist, conceptual artist, mover and DJ who runs the party You Los Angeles — beauty doesn’t happen without ugliness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• theoretical
• visionary