conceive
C1Formal or neutral; also technical in the biological sense.
Definition
Meaning
To form or develop an idea, plan, or thought in your mind; to become pregnant.
To imagine or consider something; to understand or think of something in a particular way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mental act. The biological sense ('become pregnant') is a physical manifestation of the core meaning of 'bringing into being'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary meanings are identical in both varieties. The biological sense is used identically, though more frequent in medical/technical contexts.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal and academic writing in both varieties. No notable difference in frequency between BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[conceive + object] (e.g., conceive a plan)[conceive of + object] (e.g., conceive of a solution)[conceive + that-clause] (e.g., I conceived that it might work)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Conceive of (someone/something) as...”
- “Not be able to conceive of something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The project was conceived during a strategic retreat last year."
Academic
"The theory, as originally conceived by its author, failed to account for cultural variables."
Everyday
"I can't conceive of a reason why he would do that."
Technical
"The patient conceived naturally after the initial treatment."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They conceived of the scheme while on holiday in Cornwall.
- The programme was conceived as a way to help local communities.
American English
- They conceived the plan during a meeting in Chicago.
- The law was originally conceived to protect small businesses.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It's hard to conceive of life without the internet.
- They conceived a brilliant idea for the school play.
- The architect conceived a building that would blend with the natural landscape.
- She could not conceive of a situation where that would be acceptable.
- The political philosophy conceived in the 18th century still influences modern governance.
- It is difficult for us to conceive of the vastness of the universe.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONCEIVE as containing 'CONCEPT' — you conceive a concept in your mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OFFSPRING / CREATIONS (e.g., 'give birth to an idea', 'brainchild').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'perceive' (воспринимать).
- Do not confuse with 'receive' (получать).
- The biological meaning maps closely to зачать, but the mental meaning is шире (представлять, задумывать, понимать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'conceive' without 'of' for the 'imagine' sense (e.g., 'I can't conceive a world without...' → should often be 'conceive of').
- Confusing spelling: 'concieve' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'conceive' used in its biological sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Conceive' means to form an idea or become pregnant. 'Perceive' means to become aware of something through the senses or to interpret something in a particular way.
No. Use 'conceive' without 'of' when you mean 'form/create (an idea, plan)' or 'become pregnant'. Use 'conceive of' when you mean 'imagine or consider something' (e.g., 'I can't conceive of a reason').
It is neutral to formal. In everyday speech, people often use simpler synonyms like 'think of', 'imagine', or 'come up with'. 'Conceive' is common in academic, business, and technical writing.
Yes, it is often used in negative constructions to express difficulty in imagining something (e.g., 'I can't conceive how it happened', 'It's inconceivable').