conceive

[kənˈsiːv]

conceive Definition

• 1. to form an idea or plan in the mind
• 2. to become pregnant, or to cause a baby to begin to form

Using conceive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "conceive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I can't conceive of a world without technology.

• Example

  She conceived the idea for her novel while traveling.

• Example

  They were finally able to conceive after years of trying.

• Example

  The doctor said that the medication could help her conceive.

conceive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for conceive

• imagine
• envision
• visualize
• grasp
• comprehend

Antonyms for conceive

• disbelieve
• distrust
• misunderstand

Idioms Using conceive

• hard/difficult to conceive

  difficult to imagine or understand

  Example

  It's hard to conceive how anyone could be so cruel.

• conceive and believe

  a phrase used to encourage positive thinking and belief in oneself

  Example

  If you can conceive and believe, you can achieve anything you want.

• conceive in sin

  a phrase used to describe the Christian belief that all humans are born with original sin

  Example

  According to Christian doctrine, all humans are conceived in sin.

Phrases with conceive

• conceive of

  to imagine or think of something in a particular way

  Example

  It's hard to conceive of a situation where everyone is happy.

• conceive a child

  to become pregnant or to cause a baby to begin to form

  Example

  After years of trying, they were finally able to conceive a child.

• conceive of oneself as something

  to imagine or think of oneself in a particular way

  Example

  She conceives of herself as an artist first and foremost.

Origins of conceive

from Latin 'concipere', meaning 'to take in, receive'

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Summary: conceive in Brief

The verb 'conceive' [kənˈsiːv] has two main meanings. The first is to form an idea or plan in the mind, as in 'She conceived the idea for her novel while traveling.' The second is to become pregnant or to cause a baby to begin to form, as in 'They were finally able to conceive after years of trying.' 'Conceive' extends into phrases like 'conceive of,' and idioms like 'hard/difficult to conceive,' denoting difficulty imagining or understanding.