ENGLISH
REFERENCE

concept

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑnsɛpt// UK //kˈɒnsɛpt// con·cept
  1. 1 an abstract idea (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a general idea or a principle about how something works.

    an abstract or general idea derived from specific instances; often used to describe theoretical frameworks.

    Example

    The concept of time travel is very popular in science fiction movies.

    Example

    The professor introduced the concept of social capital, explaining how networks of relationships can function as a resource within a community.
  2. 2 a design or model (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a new idea for a product or a building that shows what it might look like.

    a preliminary design or model intended to demonstrate a new product, vehicle, or architectural project.

    Example

    The company showed a concept car that runs entirely on solar energy.

    Example

    The architects presented a concept for the new library that prioritised natural light and open communal spaces.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 programming constraint (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    a rule in computer programming that describes what a certain type of data can do.

    a description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics, used to constrain template arguments.

    Example

    The programmer used a concept to make sure the code only accepted numbers.

    Example

    By defining a specific concept for the template, the developer ensured that the compiler would catch type mismatches before runtime.
  2. 4 to dream up (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to think of a new idea or to imagine something.

    to conceive or develop an initial idea or design; often used in creative industries.

    Example

    The team spent the afternoon trying to concept a new marketing campaign.

    Example

    The creative director was tasked to concept the entire visual identity of the brand within a single weekend.

© 2026 English Reference