conception
gb/kənsˈɛpʃən/ us/kənsˈɛpʃən/
B2
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
the creation of an idea
When you start to have a new idea or plan in your mind.
Usage pattern:
the conception of [an idea/plan/project]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'conception' with 'concept'; 'conception' is the act or process of creating an idea, while 'concept' is the idea itself.
Synonyms
formulation (Emphasizes the careful expression or arrangement of an idea.)
|
inception (Focuses more on the beginning or start of something rather than the mental creation.)
Antonyms
execution (Refers to carrying out an idea rather than forming it.)
Collocations
initial conception
|original conception
|artistic conception
|project conception
|creative conception
Themes
thinking
|creativity
|planning
|education
|communication
Examples
- The novel's conception began during her travels in Asia.
- The architects discussed the conception of the new public park.
- His latest painting reflects the original conception he had years ago.
Learner examples
- The conception of the story happened last year.
- She told me about her conception for a new game.
- The team's conception of the plan was exciting.
Noun
technical
B2
event
2
the start of pregnancy
The time when a woman becomes pregnant.
Usage pattern:
at conception
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'conception' in this sense with 'birth'; 'conception' is the start of pregnancy, not the end.
Synonyms
fertilization (A more scientific term describing the same biological event.)
Antonyms
contraception (The prevention of pregnancy.)
Collocations
moment of conception
|prevent conception
|time of conception
Themes
medicine
|biology
|reproduction
|health
|body
Examples
- Doctors can estimate the date of conception.
- They struggled with infertility and sought help to achieve conception.
- Conception usually occurs about two weeks after the start of a woman's cycle.
Learner examples
- The baby’s life starts at conception.
- They could not have a child because conception was difficult.
- Conception happens when the egg meets sperm.
Noun
B2
entity
3
general understanding or view
A general idea or belief about something.
Usage pattern:
a conception of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with 'concept'; here 'conception' emphasizes the mental framework or interpretation, often broader or more abstract.
Synonyms
perception (Implies personal interpretation or viewpoint.)
|
notion (A more informal word for a general idea or belief.)
Antonyms
misunderstanding (Represents an incorrect understanding or belief.)
Collocations
public conception
|different conceptions
|traditional conception
Themes
thinking
|philosophy
|education
|communication
Examples
- People have different conceptions of what happiness means.
- The law challenges our traditional conception of marriage.
- His conception of freedom is quite radical.
Learner examples
- My conception of love is different from yours.
- She has a clear conception of her goals.
- The teacher explained the common conception of the word.
Grammar
Dictionary form
conception
IPA
GB/kənsˈɛpʃən/
US/kənsˈɛpʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - cep - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cep)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: conception
- Plural: conception, conceptions
Word family
Forms
conceptions
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
misconception
noun B2
inconceivable
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
conceptualize
verb C1
conceptualization
noun
Expressions
at conception
1/ˈæt kənsˈɛpʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
at the start of pregnancy
At the time when a woman becomes pregnant.
Examples
- Certain traits are determined at conception.
- Doctors can sometimes estimate weight and height based on genetics at conception.
from conception to completion
1/fɹˈʌm kənsˈɛpʃən tə kəmplˈiʃən/
fixed phrase
from start to finish of a project
From when something is first planned until it is finished.
Examples
- She oversaw the project from conception to completion.
- The exhibition was developed from conception to completion in just six months.