concept
KON-sehpt
Concept (noun) means a general idea or notion formed in the mind, especially an abstract one. Example: “Students often grasp the concept of gravity more easily after a simple experiment.”
noun
1
A general idea or notion formed in the mind, especially an abstract one.
"Students often grasp the concept of gravity more easily after a simple experiment."
"The concept of infinity is hard for young children to grasp."
"The designers pitched a new concept for the ad campaign."
How to use concept
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn idea, especially a general or abstract one that can be explained and discussed.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
grasp a concept
a new concept
the concept of
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Word forms
- Plural
- concepts
- Third person singular
- concepts
- Past tense
- concepted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Students often grasp the _____ of gravity more easily after a simple experiment.
Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French concept from Latin conceptus, "a thought, purpose" — from concipiō, "to take in, conceive." A doublet of conceit.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “concept” mean?
The word “concept” means a general idea or notion formed in the mind, especially an abstract one. In plain terms, an idea, especially a general or abstract one that can be explained and discussed.
How do you pronounce “concept”?
“Concept” is pronounced KON-sehpt (/ˈkɑn.sɛpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “concept” in a sentence?
Here is “concept” used in a sentence: “The concept of infinity is hard for young children to grasp.”
What is another word for “concept”?
Words with a similar meaning to “concept” include conception, notion and abstraction.
What part of speech is “concept”?
“Concept” is a noun.
Where does the word “concept” come from?
The word “concept” comes from Latin. Borrowed via Middle French concept from Latin conceptus, "a thought, purpose" — from concipiō, "to take in, conceive." A doublet of conceit.
Is “concept” a common word?
“Concept” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a concept and an idea?
The words overlap, but a concept is usually broader and more settled, a general principle you can define and explain, like the concept of gravity or freedom. An idea is often more specific, personal, or fleeting, such as an idea for a story. Concepts tend to organise many individual ideas.
What are the types of concept?
Concepts are often split into concrete and abstract. Concrete concepts describe things you can perceive directly, like "dog" or "chair." Abstract concepts stand for ideas with no physical form, such as "justice," "time," or "love." Thinkers also speak of logical, mathematical, and scientific concepts depending on the field.
What is an example of a concept?
"Democracy" is a good example, a single word standing for a whole set of ideas about voting, rights, and government. Other everyday concepts include time, gravity, beauty, and money. Each is not a physical object but a mental framework that helps us understand and talk about the world.
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