conceptualize

American  

[kuhn-sep-choo-uh-lahyz] / kənˈsɛp tʃu əˌlaɪz /

especially British, conceptualise

verb (used with object)

conceptualized, conceptualizing

1. to form into a concept; make a concept of.

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verb (used without object)

conceptualized, conceptualizing

1. to form a concept; think in concepts.

conceptualize British  

/ kənˈsɛptjʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to form (a concept or concepts) out of observations, experience, data, etc

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Other Word Forms

• conceptualization noun
• conceptualizer noun
• reconceptualize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of conceptualize

First recorded in 1875–80; conceptual + -ize

Explanation

If you have an idea for something, or if you understand something fully, you conceptualize it. You might conceptualize the plan for a big party, but find it hard to conceptualize exactly how the big bang worked. In conceptualize, you see the word concept which means an idea. Don't think of a simple idea though, like taking a walk. Imagine a complex concept involving many elements, so a little brain work is involved. When you conceptualize, you either create a concept or you grasp one. The idea of man landing on the moon was conceptualized hundreds of years before it was planned or achieved.

Example Sentences

McCardel found that the job required an ability to conceptualize problems in a way that bordered on the philosophical.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The day had suddenly become incredibly long, and I couldn’t conceptualize that eventually, it would end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

While pursuing a graduate degree in London, rising filmmaker Nia DaCosta was unpacking complicated feelings of homesickness when she began to conceptualize the script for her directorial debut, “Little Woods.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

The data may simply illustrate the ways in which younger individuals conceptualize what it takes to make a living.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2024

But he couldn’t form words, couldn’t conceptualize this as a victory.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro