# conceive

/kənˈsiv/ (US) · /kənsˈiːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conceive
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to form an idea

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to think of a new idea or plan.

For teachers: to form or devise a plan or idea in the mind. Often used in professional or creative contexts.

- The architect helped conceive the original design for the new library.
- The research team struggled to conceive a methodology that would satisfy the rigorous requirements of the grant committee.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice when discussing the origins of projects.

### 2. to imagine

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to imagine something or believe it is possible.

For teachers: to form a mental representation of something; to grasp a concept through imagination.

- It is hard to conceive of a world without the internet.
- Ancient philosophers could hardly have conceived of a universe governed by the laws of quantum mechanics.

Usage: Frequently takes the preposition 'of' when used to mean 'imagine'.

### 3. to become pregnant

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to become pregnant with a baby.

For teachers: to become pregnant with offspring; to begin the growth of an embryo within the womb.

- The couple had been trying to conceive for several years.
- Medical advancements have made it possible for many individuals who previously struggled with fertility to successfully conceive.

## Examples

- It is hard to conceive of a world without the internet.
- The architect struggled to conceive a design that met the budget while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
- While the committee could easily conceive of the potential benefits, they remained skeptical about the logistical challenges inherent in such a massive structural overhaul.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.