preconception
gb/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən/ us/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
abstract
1
a preconceived idea or bias
an idea you already have before you know the facts
Usage pattern:
have a preconception about [something]; challenge [someone]'s preconceptions
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse preconception with prediction; a preconception is often a bias, not a neutral guess.
Synonyms
prejudice (Often stronger and more negative, especially about groups of people.)
|
preconceived notion (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and explicit.)
|
assumption (Can be neutral; not necessarily unfair or biased.)
Antonyms
open-mindedness (Willingness to consider new ideas without bias.)
|
objectivity (Judging based on facts rather than personal beliefs.)
Collocations
have preconceptions
|a preconception about
|deep-seated preconceptions
|cultural preconceptions
|common preconceptions
|challenge preconceptions
|question preconceptions
|overcome preconceptions
|confirm preconceptions
|break down preconceptions
Themes
thinking
|society
|psychology
|communication
Examples
- The documentary challenged my preconceptions about homelessness.
- Try to set aside your preconceptions and listen to what she actually said.
- His preconception that the interview would be easy turned out to be wrong.
Learner examples
- I had a preconception about the city, but I was wrong.
- Please come with no preconceptions.
Noun
technical
C1
relation
2
the time before pregnancy
the time before a pregnancy begins
Usage pattern:
in the preconception period; preconception [care/counseling/health]
Common mistake:
In this meaning, preconception refers to timing (before pregnancy), not to opinions or biases.
Synonyms
before pregnancy (Plain-language alternative; less medical.)
Antonyms
pregnancy (The period after conception has occurred.)
|
postconception (Technical term for the period after conception.)
Collocations
preconception care
|preconception counseling
|preconception health
|preconception planning
|preconception visit
|preconception screening
|preconception checkup
|preconception folic acid
|preconception vaccine
|preconception advice
Themes
health
|medicine
|family
Examples
- Preconception care can help identify health risks before pregnancy.
- Her doctor recommended folic acid during the preconception period.
- They scheduled a preconception appointment to discuss genetic screening.
Learner examples
- She got medical advice in the preconception period.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preconception
IPA
GB/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən/
US/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən/
Syllables & stress
pre - con - cep - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (cep)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: preconception
- Plural: preconceptions
Word family
Forms
preconceptions
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
Expressions
challenge (someone's) preconceptions
1/t͡ʃˈælɪnd͡ʒ sˈʌmwˌʌnz pɹikənsˈɛpʃənz/
fixed phrase
question fixed ideas or biases
make someone rethink their old ideas
Examples
- The course challenged my preconceptions about leadership.
- Her success story challenged people’s preconceptions of what was possible.
- Travel often challenges our preconceptions.
have no preconceptions (about [something])
1/hˈæv nˈoʊ pɹikənsˈɛpʃənz əbˈaʊt sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
start without fixed expectations
not have fixed ideas before you start
Examples
- I went into the meeting with no preconceptions about the outcome.
- Try to have no preconceptions and evaluate the plan on its merits.
overcome preconceptions
1/ˈoʊvɚkˌʌm pɹikənsˈɛpʃənz/
fixed phrase
move past biased assumptions
stop thinking in a biased way
Examples
- It took time to overcome my preconceptions about online learning.
- The campaign aims to help employers overcome preconceptions about hiring older workers.
preconception care
1/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən kˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
health care before pregnancy
doctor’s care before you get pregnant
Examples
- Preconception care includes reviewing medications and vaccinations.
- Her clinic offers preconception care for people planning a pregnancy.
preconception counseling
1/pɹikənsˈɛpʃən kˈaʊnsəlɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
medical advice before conception
medical advice before you try for a baby
Examples
- They booked preconception counseling to discuss inherited conditions.
- Preconception counseling can help you plan lifestyle changes before pregnancy.