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

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.)

Other Word Forms

• conceptional adjective
• conceptive adjective
• postconception adjective
• reconception 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

Gen Z fans are “fascinated by the idea of being an uncompromising rock band and conquering the world. That’s so far out of anyone’s conception of what’s possible today,” Kirk said.

From Los Angeles Times

After decades of debauchery and an untold number of conceptions, revelers at Burning Man celebrated a rare birth at Black Rock City on Wednesday morning, after a festivalgoer unexpectedly went into labor on the Playa.

From Los Angeles Times

As noted in their brief, many Jewish scholars reject the notion that being Jewish “requires adherence to a specific conception of Zionism or support for the Israeli government or its policies and practices.”

From Salon

Attending a BTS member’s solo show is probably the best way to understand the power of the group beyond Western conceptions of boy bands and the limitations of the K-pop idol system.

From Los Angeles Times

It recommends that conception, birth and puberty is taught in Year 5 or Year 6 - but this will not be compulsory.

From BBC

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.