Conceivable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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conceivable
[kənˈsiːvəbl ]
Definition
possible idea
Conceivable refers to something that can be imagined or thought of as a possibility. It suggests an idea or situation that is within the realm of reason or imagination and can be understood or recognized as true.
Synonyms
imaginable, plausible, thinkable.
Examples of usage
- It is conceivable that technology will continue to evolve.
- In a conceivable scenario, everyone could be happy.
- A world without conflict is conceivable, but challenging to achieve.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss what is conceivable versus what is real, creating debates on the nature of existence.
- Immanuel Kant utilized the term to explain the limits of our understanding and the role of imagination in human thought.
- Many philosophical arguments rely on the idea of what is conceivable to challenge our assumptions about reality.
Psychology
- In cognitive psychology, the ability to think of something as conceivable often reflects one's creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Mental imagery, a process of visualizing concepts, plays a key role in understanding what is conceivable.
- Research shows that imagining different scenarios helps individuals adapt and plan for future outcomes.
Literature
- Writers often create elaborate worlds grounded in what is conceivable, allowing readers to explore new ideas and realities.
- The concept allows for speculative fiction, where authors push the boundaries of known realities into imaginative territories.
- The phrase 'beyond the conceivable' is often used to capture ideas or phenomena that challenge our understanding.
Science
- In scientific discourse, terms like 'conceivable' help frame hypotheses about what is possible within the laws of nature.
- Many scientific breakthroughs came from ideas that were once considered inconceivable, like space travel or cloning.
- Theoretical physics often explores concepts that are conceivable mathematically but challenging to observe in reality.
Origin of 'conceivable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'concipere,' which means 'to take in or to grasp.'
- The prefix 'con-' means 'together' or 'with,' while 'cipere' relates to taking or receiving.
- First known use in English dates back to the early 15th century, reflecting a growing interest in abstract thinking.
The word 'conceivable' originates from the Latin verb 'concipere', meaning 'to take in, to seize, to conceive'. This is a compound of 'con-' (together) and 'capere' (to seize). The term made its way into Middle English through Old French 'concevoir', which holds a similar meaning. The concept of conceiving something extends beyond mere thought; it encompasses the ability to understand and visualize possibilities or ideas. Over time, the word has retained its core meaning, often being used to describe situations, ideas, or scenarios that are not just theoretical but can also be rationally discussed or evaluated.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,955 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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