concept

1 of 2

noun

con·​cept ˈkän-ˌsept 

1

: something conceived in the mind : thought, notion

2

: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances

the basic concepts of psychology

the concept of gravity

concept

2 of 2

adjective

1

: organized around a main idea or theme

a concept album

2

: created to illustrate a concept

a concept car

Synonyms

Noun

• conception
• generality
• generalization
• notion
• stereotype

Choose the Right Synonym for concept

idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan).

idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas

my idea of paradise

concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Examples of concept in a Sentence

Noun

She is familiar with basic concepts of psychology.

a concept borrowed from computer programming

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s an essential connection between the concepts of trust, followership, and authenticity. —Jack McCullough, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

The importance of age as a powerful marker of authority — a principle that derives from the influence of Confucianism in Korean society — is vividly on display as junior officers and rank-and-file soldiers are caught, sometimes tragically, between these concepts and their duty to the nation. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Folk hopes the multi-concept space can operate as a hub for the Paddington community. —Chloe Sachdev, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2023

The project is planned to go before the planning commission on Oct. 18 for a pre-concept review. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive — more at conceive

First Known Use

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing concept

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

Kids Definition

concept

noun

con·​cept

ˈkän-ˌsept

1

: something conceived in the mind : thought, notion

2

: a general idea

the basic concepts of physics

conceptual

kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l

-ˈsepsh-wəl

adjective

Medical Definition

concept

noun

con·​cept ˈkän-ˌsept 

1

: something conceived in the mind

2

: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances