conceive

[ kuhn-seev ]

verb (used with object)

, con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing.

1. to form (a notion, opinion, purpose, etc.):

   He conceived the project while he was on vacation.

2. to form a notion or idea of; imagine.
3. to hold as an opinion; think; believe:

   I can't conceive that it would be of any use.

4. to experience or form (a feeling):

   to conceive a great love for music.

5. to express, as in words.
6. to become pregnant with.
7. to beget.
8. to begin, originate, or found (something) in a particular way (usually used in the passive):

   a new nation conceived in liberty.

9. Archaic. to understand; comprehend.

verb (used without object)

, con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing.

1. to form an idea; think (usually followed by of ).
2. to become pregnant.

conceive

/ kənˈsiːv /

verb

1. whenintr, foll by of; when tr, often takes a clause as object to have an idea (of); imagine; think
2. tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive to hold as an opinion; believe
3. tr to develop or form, esp in the mind

   she conceived a passion for music

4. to become pregnant with (young)
5. rare.
   tr to express in words

Derived Forms

• conˈceiver, noun

Other Words From

• con·ceiv·er noun
• non·con·ceiv·ing noun adjective
• re·con·ceive verb reconceived reconceiving

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceive¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English from Anglo-French, Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere “to take fully, take in,” equivalent to con- con- + -cipere, combining form of capere “to take”

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceive¹

C13: from Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere to take in, from capere to take

Synonym Study

See imagine.

Example Sentences

‘Fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face.’

From Los Angeles Times

I'm guessing that's because in the youth-obsessed entertainment industry, few know what it’s like to be old or conceive of that age as being a time of renewed independence and agency.

From Salon

The innovation at Loughborough is the surfaces, conceived to give England teams more exposure to conditions found in places like Australia and South Africa.

From BBC

It’s telling that he conceived of his scenes in clearly delineated horizontal bars that give sky, earth and the Danube River an unshakable, marble-like solidity.

From New York Times

Back then, the artist said he conceived of his work as a satirical jab at market speculation, asking the question, “On what basis does an object acquire value in the art system?”

From New York Times

Related Words

• design
• develop
• devise
• dream up
• envision
• formulate
• originate
• produce
• realize
• visualize