noun

conception

kuhn-SEP-shuhn/kənˈsepʃn/

The forming or shaping of an idea or understanding.

The designer explains the conception of the new bridge.

Designer begins plan for small arched footbridge, thought bubble of bridge above first simple drawing on sheet.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+ceptLatinto take

+ionLatinact or process

The underlying verb meant “take in and hold,” an image extended to forming something in the mind. The prefix may be intensive here: conception is the mental act of grasping or forming an idea.

In context

AidanEyewitness11:25

Single platform, bus shelter style waiting area and car park. That minor project also will have taken well over a decade from conception to completion.

BIRMINGHAM BUILDING BOOM Architecture Tour - Ozzy's City's Huge Makeover

More examples

Her conception of fairness differed from his.
Several conceptions competed.
The project changed after its initial conception.

Forms

conception · conceptions

conceive verb — form an idea

Similar words

idea: The resulting thought rather than its formation or overall interpretation.
understanding: An interpretation without necessarily an act of creation.