# conception

/kənˈsɛpʃən/ (US) · /kənsˈɛpʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conception
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an idea or understanding

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- He has no clear conception of how much work the project will take.
- 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. the start of a plan

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The architect was involved in the building's design from its conception.
- From its initial conception in a small laboratory to its global rollout, the vaccine development process was unprecedented in speed.

### 3. becoming pregnant

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the moment when a woman or female animal becomes pregnant.

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

- The doctor explained what happens in the days following conception.
- 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.