Conception
/kənˈsepʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe process of becoming pregnant involving the fertilization of an egg by a sperm.
/kənˈsepʃən/
The act of conceiving a child or becoming pregnant.
The couple struggled with infertility and sought assistance to achieve conception.
💡 Simply: It's the moment when a baby starts to grow inside a mommy, like when a tiny seed becomes a plant!
👶 For kids: When a mommy and daddy make a baby start to grow inside the mommy's tummy.
More Examples
The doctor explained the process of conception during the prenatal appointment.
How It's Used
"Fertility treatments often focus on improving the chances of conception."
The forming or understanding of an idea, a thought, or a plan in the mind.
/kənˈsepʃən/
The formation of an idea or plan.
The film's conception began with a simple story idea.
💡 Simply: It's like when you get a bright idea, like 'Aha! I know how to do this!'
👶 For kids: When you think of a new idea or plan, like how to build a really cool tower with blocks!
More Examples
It was her conception of the problem that allowed her to formulate a practical solution.
The project’s success depended on a clear conception of the target audience.
How It's Used
"The architect's initial conception of the building was quite innovative."
"The philosopher's conception of justice differed significantly from the popular view."
A general idea or understanding of something.
/kənˈsepʃən/
A general idea or understanding.
Our conception of time has evolved over the years.
💡 Simply: It's how you generally think or see something, like your 'conception' of what a good vacation is.
👶 For kids: How you think about something, like what a 'good day' means to you.
More Examples
They held a different conception of the value of education.
His conception of beauty was unconventional.
How It's Used
"Their conception of morality was very different from ours."
Idioms & expressions
from conception
From the very beginning; from the moment of conception.
"The project was flawed from conception."
From Latin *conceptio*, meaning 'a gathering, a receiving, a conceiving', from *concipere* 'to take or hold together, conceive'. It evolved through the Middle Ages and has been used in various contexts, including religious, philosophical, and biological settings.
Historically, 'conception' has been used in theological contexts to describe the Immaculate Conception (the conception of Mary) and also in philosophical discussions about ideas and mental processes.
Memory tip
Think of a 'conception' as the start of something new, like a baby.
Word Origin
"to take or hold together, conceive"