Definition

Verb: * To form a mental image or idea of something; to imagine or think of something, especially something that is not currently real, present, or true.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of creating a concept or possibility in one's mind. It is often followed by the preposition "as" when describing how one imagines something to be. * The basic structure is: conceive of [something]. * A common structure is: conceive of [something] as [something else].

Examples

• It is difficult for me to conceive of a universe without time.
• Can you conceive of a reason why he would leave so suddenly?
• She could not conceive of a life outside of the city.
• The architect conceived of the building as a seamless blend of glass and steel.
• They conceive of freedom not as a lack of rules, but as the power to create them.

Advanced Usage

• "Hard to conceive of": Used to express that something is very difficult or nearly impossible to imagine.
  • The scale of the disaster is hard to conceive of.
• "Easily conceive of": Used to express that something is simple or straightforward to imagine.
  • One can easily conceive of a scenario where this policy fails.

Variants and Related Words

• Conceive (verb): Has two primary meanings distinct from "conceive of":
  • To become pregnant.

    • She conceived her first child at thirty.
  • To form or devise a plan or idea in the mind.

    • The strategy was conceived by the general himself. (Note: "of" is not used here).

Synonyms

• Imagine
• Envisage
• Envision
• Picture
• Think of
• Fancy

Related Phrases

• Conjure up: To create a vivid mental image, often with a sense of magic or effort.
  • The story conjured up images of a distant land. (This is more evocative than "conceive of").

Verb

1. form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
   • Can you conceive of him as the president?