ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conception

n.
US //kənˈsɛpʃən// UK //kənsˈɛpʃən// con·cep·tion
  1. 1 an idea or understanding (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    an idea of what something is like, or the ability to understand something.

    the formation of an abstract idea or a mental representation of something; the capacity to grasp a concept.

    Example

    He has no clear conception of how much work the project will take.

    Example

    The public's conception of privacy has shifted significantly since the advent of social media and ubiquitous data collection.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
  2. 2 the start of a plan (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the very beginning of a project, plan, or design.

    the point at which a plan or project is first formulated or begins to exist.

    Example

    The architect was involved in the building's design from its conception.

    Example

    From its initial conception in a small laboratory to its global rollout, the vaccine development process was unprecedented in speed.
  3. 3 becoming pregnant (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    the moment when a woman or female animal becomes pregnant.

    the process of fertilisation where an egg and sperm join to begin a pregnancy.

    Example

    The doctor explained what happens in the days following conception.

    Example

    The study examined various environmental factors that might influence the success of conception in older couples.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun in general medical contexts, but countable when referring to specific instances.
Origin

From Middle English concepcioun, borrowed from Old French conception, from Latin conceptiō (“a comprehending, a collection, composition, an expression, also a becoming pregnant”), from concipiō, past participle conceptus (“conceive”); see conceive. Equivalent to conceive + -tion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026