conceptual
adj.-
1 based on ideas (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academicrelating to ideas or the way you think about something, rather than the physical thing itself.
pertaining to concepts or the formation of ideas; often used to describe the theoretical stage of a project.
ExampleThe architect showed us a conceptual drawing of the building before the final plans were made.
ExampleBefore moving to the engineering phase, the team spent months refining the conceptual framework of the new software architecture.
UsageCommonly precedes nouns like 'framework', 'model', 'design', or 'stage'.
- theoretical
- abstract
- notional
-
2 art focused on ideas (adj.) C1 Advanced Formala style of art where the idea behind the work is more important than the physical object.
relating to a movement in which the idea or concept involved in the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.
ExampleSome people find conceptual art difficult to understand because there is no painting to look at.
ExampleThe exhibition featured several pieces of conceptual art that challenged the audience to reconsider the definition of a sculpture.
Teacher's tipIn an art context, this almost always refers to 'Conceptual Art', a specific movement from the mid-20th century.
Borrowed from Medieval Latin conceptuālis, from Latin conceptus, perfect passive participle of concipiō (“take hold of; conceive”); see concept and -al.
- Adjectiveconceptual
- Adverbconceptually