conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl 

-chü-əl,

kän-,

-chəl,

-shwəl

: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

conceptual thinking

the project's conceptual and technical hurdles

conceptual designs

conceptuality

kən-ˌsep-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

-shə-;

-chü-ˈa-

-shü-

noun

conceptually adverb

Synonyms

• abstract
• ideal
• ideational
• metaphysical
• notional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Examples of conceptual in a Sentence

The plans have both conceptual and practical difficulties.

conceptual thinking is often the most demanding kind of mental activity

Recent Examples on the Web

By synthesizing knowledge through a concept map, students can better structure information, interpret the relationships between ideas, and deepen their overall conceptual understanding. —Christopher Rim, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Instead of a standard-issue statue, the conceptual piece shows their interlocking arms, which from one angle form the shape of a heart. —Elizabeth Blackwell, Longreads, 14 Nov. 2024

The first step would be securing conceptual acceptance from forest officials as part of a long-term planning document. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024

Seth emphasizes that in his view, all of the Avett Brothers albums are conceptual. —Bill Kopp, SPIN, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin conceptualis of thought, from Late Latin conceptus act of conceiving, thought, from Latin concipere — see concept entry 1

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing conceptual

• conceptual art

Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, kän-, -ˈsepsh-wəl 

: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

conceptually adverb