concept

noun

An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.

Understanding retained in the mind, from experience, reasoning and imagination; a generalization (generic, basic form), or abstraction (mental impression), of a particular set of instances or occurrences (specific, though different, recorded manifestations of the concept).

(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.

verb

To conceive; to dream up.

Roots

capio-cept · Latin · take, seize

Synonyms for concept

conceptionn notionn idean conceptualizationn theoryn recept thoughtn intellectionn thinkingn ethosn

Synonyms & related words for concept

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of concept — including conception, notion, idea, conceptualization, theory, recept. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to concept

Explore words related to concept — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include conceptualized, conceptional, conceptualizing, conceptual, conceptually, metempirics, ideate, brainchild. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for concept

Common synonyms for concept include conception, notion, idea, conceptualization, theory, recept, thought, intellection — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does concept come from?

The word concept breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -cept, from Latin capio (“take, seize”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.