concept
gb/kˈɑnsɛpt/ us/kˈɑnsɛpt/
B1
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
An abstract idea or notion
An idea or thought about something, not a physical thing.
Usage pattern:
the concept of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'concept' with 'concert' due to similar pronunciation.
Synonyms
idea (More general and can refer to any mental image or thought, not necessarily structured.)
|
notion (Less formal and often implies a less developed or vague idea.)
Antonyms
reality (Refers to the actual state of things, as opposed to an abstract idea.)
Collocations
basic concept
|key concept
|concept of time
|concept of freedom
|grasp a concept
Themes
thinking
|education
|philosophy
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The concept of justice has evolved over time.
- She explained the basic concept behind the new technology.
- It's hard for young children to understand the concept of time.
- Freedom is a central concept in many political systems.
Learner examples
- I don't understand this concept.
- The teacher explained the concept of gravity.
- This is a new concept for me.
- The concept of love is hard to explain.
Noun
B2
entity
2
A plan or design idea
A plan or design for something new.
Usage pattern:
a concept for [something]
Synonyms
plan (More general; can refer to any set of intended actions, not just creative designs.)
|
prototype (A first or early model that shows how something will work.)
Antonyms
execution (The act of carrying out a plan rather than just having the idea.)
Collocations
concept car
|business concept
|marketing concept
|design concept
Themes
business
|design
|innovation
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The architect presented a new concept for the shopping mall.
- They are developing a unique business concept.
- The company unveiled its latest concept car at the auto show.
Learner examples
- We have a new concept for our shop.
- This is the concept for my art project.
- The team worked on a car concept.
Grammar
Dictionary form
concept
IPA
GB/kˈɑnsɛpt/
US/kˈɑnsɛpt/
Syllables & stress
concept (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (concept)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: concept
- Plural: concepts
Word family
Forms
concepts
noun
Core family
conceptual
adjective B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
misconception
noun B2
Advanced or less common
conceptualize
verb C1
conceptualization
noun
Expressions
in concept
1/ˈɪn kˈɑnsɛpt/
fixed phrase
In terms of the basic idea only
When talking only about the general idea, not the details.
Examples
- The plan works in concept, but it needs more details.
- In concept, the project is great, but it's too expensive.
proof of concept
1/pɹˈuf əv kˈɑnsɛpt/
fixed phrase
technical
Demonstration that an idea works
A test to show that an idea or design can work in real life.
Examples
- They built a small robot as a proof of concept before making the full version.
- This software is just a proof of concept, not the final product.