conception

[ kuhn-sep-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of conceiving; the state of being conceived.
2. fertilization; inception of pregnancy.
3. a notion; idea; concept:

   She has some odd conceptions about life.

4. something that is conceived:

   That machine is the conception of a genius.

5. origination; beginning:

   The organization has been beset by problems from its conception.

6. a design; plan.
7. a sketch of something not actually existing:

   an artist's conception of ancient Athens.

8. the act or power of forming notions, ideas, or concepts.

conception

/ kənˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. something conceived; notion, idea, design, or plan
2. the description under which someone considers something

   her conception of freedom is wrong

3. the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm in the Fallopian tube followed by implantation in the womb
4. origin or beginning

   from its conception the plan was a failure

5. the act or power of forming notions; invention

conception

/ kən-sĕp′shən /

1. The formation of a zygote resulting from the union of a sperm and egg cell; fertilization.

conception

1. Fertilization ; the union of the sperm and ovum to form a zygote . ( See reproductive systems .)

Derived Forms

• conˈceptional, adjective

Other Words From

• con·ception·al adjective
• con·ceptive adjective
• postcon·ception adjective
• recon·ception noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conception¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English concepcion from Latin conceptiōn- (stem of conceptiō ), equivalent to Latin concept- ( concept ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of conception¹

C13: from Latin conceptiō, from concipere to conceive

Example Sentences

However, the conception of NPR as an entity that only exists thanks to government largesse is false.

From Salon

This will supposedly guarantee that the United States forever remains the pre-eminent global superpower, and that a self-serving conception of the "national interest" will always take precedence over ill-defined or illusory global concerns.

From Salon

Still, the initial conception of the election as a landslide in favor of Trump does not appear to be accurate.

From Salon

Another discovery showed how the human skeleton forms in the womb in the weeks after conception.

From BBC

The popular conception of gulls is not the most flattering.

From Salon

Related Words

• appreciation
• conceit
• concept
• impression
• interpretation
• notion
• perception
• realization

When To Use

What are other ways to say conception?

A conception is a notion or idea that seems complete, individual, or somewhat intricate. Do you know when to use conception, thought, idea, and notion? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.