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

Example Sentences

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

“It’s hard to conceptualize the fact that you can throw — put the ball in the end zone that much,” said Rams receiver Davante Adams, who has 12 touchdown receptions this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Numbers this big can be hard to conceptualize, so Dow Jones Market Data sought to put some context around Nvidia’s next threshold.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

Historical and contemporary examples can help conceptualize the establishment of such a scheme.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2024

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

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro