conception
n. C / Un. an idea or a basic understanding of how something works. It can also mean the moment when a baby starts to grow inside its mother.
n. the formation of an abstract idea or mental representation; also the physiological process of becoming pregnant. Often used to describe the initial stage of a project or theory.
The original conception of the project was quite simple.
The architect's conception of the building changed significantly after he visited the actual site and saw the landscape.
While the public's conception of justice often focuses on punishment, legal scholars frequently argue for a framework centered on restoration and systemic reform.
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.
Often used with the preposition 'of' when referring to an idea or understanding.