Concept — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈkän-ˌsept/ con·cept

Meaning & Definition of Concept

Concept (noun)

  1. something conceived in the mind, thought, notion
  2. —used in phrases like what a concept to say that a notion is self-evident
  3. an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances

Concept (adjective)

  1. organized around a main idea or theme
  2. created to illustrate a concept

Concept (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation

    "trying to change the public's concept of a nightly newscast"

    similar: conception, generality, generalization, notion, stereotype
    related: bromide, cliché, commonplace, platitude, truism, adage, proverb, saw, saying, hypothesis, proposition, theory, oversimplification, simplification, simplism

  2. something imagined or pictured in the mind

    "a concept for a new kind of automobile that could revolutionize the industry"

    similar: abstraction, cogitation, conception, idea, image, impression, intellection, mind's eye, notion, picture, thought
    related: apprehension, premonition, presentiment, preconception, prejudice, prepossession, chimera, delusion, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, caprice, conceit, fancy, freak, kink, vagary, whim, cognition, observation, perception, reflection, assumption, belief, conclusion, conviction, conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmise, theory, brainchild, brainstorm, brain wave, inspiration
    near: actuality, fact, reality

Related Entry: Self-concept (noun)

Self-concept is a different word from Concept. The synonyms below are for self-concept, not for concept.

  1. as in self-image, self-perception

    similar: self-image, self-perception, introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching, self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-esteem, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Concept

The most common words with a similar meaning to Concept:

conception, generality, generalization, notion, stereotype, abstraction, cogitation, idea, image, impression, intellection, mind's eye, picture, thought

Related Words for Concept

bromide, cliché, commonplace, platitude, truism, adage, proverb, saw, saying, hypothesis, proposition, theory, oversimplification, simplification, simplism, apprehension, premonition, presentiment, preconception, prejudice, prepossession, chimera, delusion, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, caprice, conceit, fancy, freak

Near Antonyms of Concept

actuality, fact, reality

Origin & Etymology of Concept

Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive conceive

First known use: 1561

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Concept

Words & Phrases Containing Concept

concept album, concept car, high-concept, proof of concept, self-concept, unclear on the concept of

Frequently Asked Questions about Concept

What does "Concept" mean?

"Concept" means something conceived in the mind, thought, notion. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: something conceived in the mind, thought, notion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Concept"?

Other words for "Concept" include conception, generality, generalization, notion, stereotype, abstraction, cogitation and idea. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Concept" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Concept"?

There are 65 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Concept". Common alternatives include conception, generality, generalization, notion, stereotype, abstraction, cogitation, idea, image and impression.

How do you use "Concept" in a sentence?

Examples of "Concept" in a sentence: "trying to change the public's concept of a nightly newscast"; "a concept for a new kind of automobile that could revolutionize the industry".

Is "Concept" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Concept" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Concept" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Concept" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Concept"?

"Concept" is pronounced /ˈkän-ˌsept/ and divided into syllables as con·cept.

What is the origin of the word "Concept"?

"Concept" comes from Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive conceive. First known use: 1561.