What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gestate
Example
The baby will gestate in the mother's womb for nine months. [gestate: verb]
Example
The idea for the new product has been gestating in my mind for months. [gestating: present participle]
conceive
Example
She conceived her first child after trying for several months. [conceived: past tense]
Example
I can't conceive of a world without technology. [conceive: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conceive is more commonly used than gestate in everyday language. Conceive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gestate is less common and primarily used in medical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gestate and conceive?
Both gestate and conceive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gestate may be more commonly used in technical or academic writing due to its medical or scientific connotation.