Academic / B1

KONS-ept/ˈkɒnsept/

A concept is an idea of how something is or works: the concept of fairness; grasp a concept means understand it. An idea can be small and practical; a theory tries to explain a system. Conceptual is rare; in design, a concept car is an early model. Do not confuse it with conceit (too much pride).

Meaning

An idea of how something is or how it works.

Examples

• “The concept of recycling is easy to understand.”
• “Young children can grasp the concept of recycling.”
• “The book introduces key concepts in psychology.”

Good to know

the concept of. grasp / explain a concept. Small and practical: idea. System: theory.

Near in meaning

idea

Topics

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