adjective

conceptual

kuhn-SEP-choo-uhl/kənˈseptʃuəl/

Relating to ideas rather than practical details.

She studies the conceptual relationships among the shapes.

Woman thinks using simple connected circle/square/triangle relationships on blank board, concrete wooden blocks below set aside; focus abstract relationships, functional shapes only, no written words.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+ceptLatinto take

+ualLatinrelating to

“Taking in” developed into taking something into the mind and forming a notion; the prefix may be intensive. Conceptual describes this mental realm of ideas rather than the physical act of taking or holding.

In context

The Art Assignment1:47

In conceptual art the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work.

The Case for Conceptual Art

More examples

They settled the conceptual framework before choosing materials.
The course emphasized conceptual understanding over memorization.
A conceptual diagram showed how the parts related.

Forms

conceptual

concept noun — an idea or mental category

Similar words

theoretical: Theoretical concerns a theory or untested account; conceptual concerns the underlying ideas or categories.
practical: Practical concerns implementation; conceptual concerns the idea and structure behind it.