Conceive of Meaning in English
expression
kənˈsiv/ /ˈəv
kuhn-SEEV-uhv
kənsˈiːv/ /ˈɒv
kuhn-SEEV-ov
Definition
To imagine or think of something as possible or real, especially something new or difficult to believe.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal; commonly used when discussing abstract ideas or things that seem impossible. Often followed by 'how,' 'that,' or 'of': 'conceive of a world without war.' Not the same as 'conceive' (to become pregnant); 'conceive of' always means 'imagine' in this context.
Spanish: imaginar - concebirPortuguese (BR): imaginar - conceberPortuguese (PT): imaginar - conceberChinese (Simplified): 想象 - 构想Chinese (Traditional): 想像 - 構想Hindi: कल्पना करना - सोचनाArabic: يتصور - يتخيلBengali: কল্পনা করা - ভাবাRussian: вообразить - представить себеJapanese: 想像する - 思い描くVietnamese: tưởng tượng - hình dungKorean: 상상하다 - 떠올리다Turkish: hayal etmek - düşünmekUrdu: تصور کرنا - خیال کرناIndonesian: membayangkan - membayangkan dalam pikiran
Example Sentences
I can't conceive of living in such a small space.
basic
It's hard to conceive of life without the internet.
basic
Can you conceive of a world without conflict?
basic
Some people can't even conceive of retiring before sixty.
natural
He couldn't conceive of eating insects, even as a dare.
natural
At the time, no one could conceive of such rapid progress.
natural