conceive of
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
- Can you conceive of him as the president?