concept
Americannoun
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a general notion or idea; conception.
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an idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars; a construct.
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a directly conceived or intuited object of thought.
adjective
verb (used with object)
noun
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an idea, esp an abstract idea
the concepts of biology
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philosophy a general idea or notion that corresponds to some class of entities and that consists of the characteristic or essential features of the class
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philosophy
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the conjunction of all the characteristic features of something
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a theoretical construct within some theory
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a directly intuited object of thought
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the meaning of a predicate
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(modifier) (of a product, esp a car) created as an exercise to demonstrate the technical skills and imagination of the designers, and not intended for mass production or sale
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of concept
First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin conceptum “something conceived,” originally neuter of conceptus “conceived,” past participle of concipere “to conceive,” equivalent to con- con- ( def. ) + -cipere, combining form of capere “to seize”
Explanation
A concept is a thought or idea. If you're redecorating your bedroom, you might want to start with a concept, such as "flower garden" or "outer space." It's a general idea about a thing or group of things, derived from specific instances or occurrences. It often applies to a theoretical idea in science: Einstein's contribution to the concept of relativity. Concept was borrowed from Late Latin conceptus, from Latin concipere "to take in, conceive, receive." A concept is an idea conceived in the mind. The original meaning of the verb conceive was to take sperm into the womb, and by a later extension of meaning, to take an idea into the mind.
Vocabulary lists containing concept
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In September, at the IAA auto show in Munich, tastemakers got a first look at the Concept C, representing Audi’s next design language—fresh, futurist, aspirational, optimistic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025
Jewelry label Kinn Studios and womenswear brand Almina Concept have collaborated on a new six-month pop-up space at mini style mecca Platform in Culver City.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2024
This month, Stellantis said that its Chrysler Halcyon Concept EV, slated for production in 2028, would come equipped with dynamic wireless charging capability.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2024
To this end, Huwiler is applying to Innosuisse for a Bridge Proof of Concept grant and for an ETH Pioneer Fellowship grant.
From Science Daily • Oct. 5, 2023
Concept: a musical set in the Atlanta suburbs called...wait for it...Ha-Milton.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
