Definition

1. Verb:
   • To become pregnant; to form a new life in the womb: The biological process of fertilization and the beginning of pregnancy.
   • To form or develop an idea, plan, or concept in the mind: To think of, imagine, or create something mentally.
   • To hold an opinion or belief; to think or suppose: To regard or judge something in a particular way.

Usage and Examples

• Biological Meaning (to become pregnant):

  • After years of trying, they were overjoyed when she finally conceived.
  • The doctor explained the factors that can affect a woman's ability to conceive.

• Mental Creation (to form an idea):

  • The architect conceived a bold new design for the city center.
  • It's difficult to conceive of a world without the internet.

• Holding a Belief (to think or suppose):

  • I conceive this to be the most practical solution to our problem.
  • He conceives of himself as an artist, not just a craftsman.

Advanced Usage

• "to conceive of (something)": To imagine or consider the possibility of something. This phrasal construction is very common when the object is an abstract idea or scenario.
  • Can you conceive of a valid reason for such behavior?
  • The theory was so radical that few scientists could conceive of it being true.

Variants and Related Words

• Conceivable (adj): Capable of being imagined or believed; plausible.
  • It is conceivable that we will finish on time if nothing goes wrong.
• Conception (n):
  • The moment or process of becoming pregnant.
  • The forming of a concept or idea; the way something is perceived.
• Concept (n): An abstract idea or general notion.
  • The basic concept behind the app is very simple.

Synonyms

• Envision: To picture mentally, especially future possibilities.
• Devise: To plan or invent by careful thought.
• Imagine: To form a mental image or idea of.
• Suppose: To assume or believe something to be the case.

Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Conceive of: As shown in 'Advanced Usage', this is the standard construction for the meaning of imagining or considering an idea.
  • The project was more ambitious than anyone had conceived of.

Related Idioms

• "Hard to conceive": Difficult to imagine or believe.
  • The scale of the disaster is hard to conceive.
• "Conceive a hatred/affection for": To begin to feel a strong emotion (like hate or love) for someone or something.
  • She conceived a great affection for the stray dog.

Verb

1. become pregnant; undergo conception
   • She cannot conceive
   • My daughter was conceived in Christmas Day
2. judge or regard; look upon; judge
   • I think he is very smart
   • I believe her to be very smart
   • I think that he is her boyfriend
   • The racist conceives such people to be inferior
3. have the idea for
   • He conceived of a robot that would help paralyzed patients
   • This library was well conceived