conceive

verb

kuhn-SEEV/kənˈsiːv/

4 meanings of conceive

1
verbtransitive
To develop and form an idea, plan, or design in the mind; to imagine it.
The architect conceived the museum as a series of interlocking glass pavilions.
Engineers conceive new designs long before any prototype is built.
Similardevise, envision, imagine, design, invent
2
verbtransitive or intransitivewith of
To imagine something as being a certain way; to hold a mental conception or representation of it.
Ancient cultures conceived of the heavens as a great rotating dome.
We tend to conceive of justice as something blind and impartial.
Similarimagine, picture, envision, envisage, view
3
verbtransitive or intransitive
To become pregnant; to begin the growth of a child.
She conceived shortly after the couple moved to the coast.
Some women conceive easily, while others need medical help.
4
verbtransitive
To understand a particular person, taking in what they say or what kind of person they are.
Similarunderstand, comprehend, grasp, follow
Oppositemisunderstand

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of conceive apart? Answer 1 quick question from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

This word comes from Middle English "conceyven," borrowed from Old French "concevoir," which in turn derives from the Latin "concipere," meaning "to devise, to conceive."