conception

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
  2. noun the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
  3. noun the event that occurred at the beginning of something

Etymology

From Middle English concepcioun, borrowed from Old French conception, from Latin conceptiō (“a comprehending, a collection, composition, an expression, also a becoming pregnant”), from concipiō, past participle conceptus (“conceive”); see conceive. Equivalent to conceive + -tion.

In classic literature

Synonyms

concept, construct

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