Conceive
/kənˈsiːv/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo form or devise (a plan, idea, etc.) in the mind.
/kənˈsiːv/
To form an idea, plan, or design in the mind.
She conceived a daring plan to escape.
💡 Simply: Imagine your brain is a magical workshop. To conceive an idea is like creating something amazing in that workshop. You start with some raw materials (thoughts and information) and create something entirely new - a story, a plan, a invention! For example, you might conceive a brilliant plan to bake a cake.
👶 For kids: To think up something new.
More Examples
They conceived a new product line.
How It's Used
"I conceived a brilliant plan to win the game."
"The team conceived a new marketing strategy."
To become pregnant; to initiate pregnancy.
/kənˈsiːv/
To become pregnant.
The couple was overjoyed when she conceived.
💡 Simply: When a mom and dad are ready to have a baby, the mom becomes pregnant. We say she has 'conceived'. It's like a tiny seed is planted and grows into a baby!
👶 For kids: To get pregnant and have a baby starting to grow inside.
How It's Used
"She conceived naturally after many months of trying."
From Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere, from con- "together" + capere "to take, seize".
Historically, 'conceive' was more frequently used in the sense of 'to understand' or 'to grasp'.
Memory tip
Think of 'con' (with) and 'ceive' (receive) - you receive an idea together with others.
Word Origin
"con- "together" + capere "to take, seize""