Conceive
/kənˈsiːv/
verbB2
Definition
Conceive means to think of or imagine something in your mind, like an idea or plan. It also means to become pregnant by starting to grow a baby inside the body.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To form or create an idea or plan in the mind
- •She conceived a plan to start her own business.
- •It is hard to conceive how big the universe is.
- •The artist conceived a new way to paint portraits.
To become pregnant; to start growing a baby inside the body
- •They tried for years before she finally conceived.
- •She conceived twins last year.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "conceive" like "think" (A1 word), but it means creating a new idea or life, not just simple thinking
- ✓Picture planting a seed in your mind or body that grows into something new—an idea or a baby
- ✓It's the feeling when you suddenly understand or imagine something clearly for the first time
- ✓Sounds like "can see" → imagine you "can see" a new idea or future baby forming inside
- ✓Think of stories where someone conceives a plan to solve a problem or a couple conceives a child
- ✓NOT like "see" (just looking at something), conceive means creating or starting something inside your mind or body
- ✓NOT like "imagine" (which can be playful or not serious), conceive often means a serious or real start of an idea or life
- ✓NOT like "give birth" (which is the end), conceive is the beginning of pregnancy or idea
Try Other Words
- •Imagine: to form a mental picture or idea (Use when the idea is not yet serious or complete)
- •Create: to make something new (Use when focusing on making or producing ideas or things)
- •Become pregnant: to start growing a baby (Use when talking about pregnancy specifically)
- •Formulate: to carefully create or develop an idea or plan (Use in formal or careful planning contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "con-" (with, together) + root "ceive" from Latin "capere" meaning to take or hold
- •Etymology: From Latin "concipere," meaning to take in or become pregnant, or to understand
- •Historical development: Originally used for pregnancy and later for forming ideas or plans in the mind
- •Modern usage: Used both for pregnancy and for creating or imagining ideas, plans, or concepts
Reflect & Connect
•How do you think the word "conceive" connects the ideas of pregnancy and thinking?
•Can you think of a time when you conceived an idea that changed how you acted or felt?
Fill in the blanks
1.She conceived a ___ to solve the problem before anyone else thought of it.
2.It is hard to conceive the ___ of space because it is so big.
3.The couple hoped to conceive a ___ soon after their wedding.
4.When you conceive a plan, you usually ___ it carefully before telling others.
5.Unlike just imagining, to conceive something means you have a ___ start of an idea or life.
6.After many attempts, she finally conceived and was ___ with a baby.
7.People often conceive ideas in their ___ before they become real.