First Known Use: 1556
Dictionary
1concept
noun con·cept \ˈkän-ˌsept\
: an idea of what something is or how it works
Full Definition of CONCEPT
2
: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances
See concept defined for English-language learners
See concept defined for kids
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Origin of CONCEPT
Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive — more at conceive
Related to CONCEPT
- Synonyms
- generalization, conception, generality, notion, stereotype
Synonym Discussion of CONCEPT
idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed <innovative ideas> <my idea of paradise>. concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be <a society with no concept of private property>. conception is often interchangeable with concept ; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result <our changing conception of what constitutes art>. thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining <commit your thoughts to paper>. notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental <you have the oddest notions>. impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses <the first impression is of soaring height>.
2concept
adjective
: organized around a main idea or theme
: created to show an idea
Full Definition of CONCEPT
1
: organized around a main idea or theme <a concept album>
2
: created to illustrate a concept <a concept car>
See concept defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CONCEPT
1896
CONCEPT Defined for Kids
concept
noun con·cept \ˈkän-ˌsept\
Definition of CONCEPT for Kids
: something thought of : a general idea <concepts of science>
Medical Dictionary
concept
noun con·cept \ˈkän-ˌsept\
Medical Definition of CONCEPT
1
: something conceived in the mind
2
: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances
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