conception

conception — noun

1. the particular way in which you picture or understand something in your mind — f

1.名詞B2
釋義

the particular way in which you picture or understand something in your mind — for example, your idea of what a fair society looks like, or what it means to be a good parent

例句

Salma's conception of leadership changed after she worked with a truly inspiring boss.

someone's conception of [abstract noun] changes

Many hold a romantic conception of a writer's life, not seeing the work it takes.

collocation: romantic conception of [something]

同義詞
  • notion

    slightly less formal than conception, often suggests a vague or casual idea

  • idea

    the most common word; conception implies a more developed or structured view

  • understanding

    focuses on comprehension of how something works, not just a mental picture

  • perception

    emphasizes how something is seen or interpreted, often through the senses

反義詞

文法句型

conception + of + noun phrase

someone's conception of [something]

用法筆記

Often used with of to introduce the thing being understood, as in 'their conception of freedom'. Can be modified by adjectives that describe the viewpoint (romantic, traditional, modern, narrow).

常見錯誤

❌I have a conception that the train leaves at six.
✅I have the idea that the train leaves at six.
💡'conception' is too formal for simple everyday thoughts; use 'idea' instead.

2. the biological process in which a sperm cell from a male joins with an egg cell

2.名詞B2
釋義

the biological process in which a sperm cell from a male joins with an egg cell from a female, causing a baby or other young animal to begin to develop

例句

The doctor explained that conception occurs when a sperm meets an egg inside the body.

when-clause describing the biological event

For some couples, conception happens naturally within months of trying for a baby.

同義詞
  • fertilization

    more technical term focusing on the cell-joining event itself

  • impregnation

    very formal or medical, rarely used in everyday speech

反義詞

文法句型

the process of conception

[event] takes place at conception

用法筆記

Uncountable in this sense; you do not say 'a conception' when referring to the biological process. Frequently appears in medical, scientific, or formal contexts. Distinguish from sense 1: 'conception' as an idea uses the countable form ('a conception of justice').

常見錯誤

❌The couple had a conception after three months.
✅The couple achieved conception after three months.
💡'conception' is uncountable; use 'achieve conception' or 'become pregnant' for natural English.
❌Conception is when a baby is made.
✅Conception is the process in which a sperm cell joins with an egg cell.
💡define clearly without vague phrasing.