Words / C1

k-uh-n-SEEV/kənˈsiːv/

Conceive here means form an idea: conceive of a world without cash; it is hard to conceive how. Imagine is plainer. Conceive also means become pregnant — mention it so learners are not surprised. Concept is the noun idea; conceptual is the adjective.

Meaning

To form an idea of something, or to imagine it (conceive of).

Examples

• “It is hard to conceive of a library with no books.”
• “Few could conceive of the archive going fully digital in a year.”
• “The plan was conceived in a weekend and paid for over a decade.”

Good to know

conceive of + noun / it is hard to conceive how. Plain: imagine. Also: become pregnant.

Near in meaning

imagine

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