Words / B2

k-uh-n-SEPSHUN/kənˈsepʃn/

Conception is an idea of what something is or should be; also the start of pregnancy (formal): a conception of justice; at conception. Concept is a close twin for the idea; understanding is broader. A new conception of citizenship still needs a named statute. Mix-up: conception vs contraception; exception; do not write conception for a slogan “vision” with no named idea or biology in the source.

Meaning

An idea of what something is or should be; also the start of pregnancy (formal).

Examples

• “A new conception of citizenship still needs a named statute, the paper said.”
• “Date of conception featured in the case notes, which is the pregnancy sense — quote the medical source, not a gossip column.”

Good to know

a conception of; beyond / at conception. Close (idea): concept / notion. Biology: start of pregnancy. Trap: contraception. Citizenship, philosophy, and biology. An idea, or the start of pregnancy — specify.

Near in meaning

concept, notion, idea

New