Conception: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the origin or beginning of something, or the way something is perceived or understood.

• The conception of the new technology changed the industry
• Her conception of justice was very different from his

Commonly used in daily conversation to refer to a thought or suggestion about what to do or how to solve a problem.

• I have no idea how to fix this
• That’s a great idea for a birthday gift!

Used when referring to a belief or opinion, often something that is not fully formed or is somewhat vague.

• She had a notion that he might be lying
• His notion of happiness is very different from mine

Refers to something that you think about, often used in contexts where considering or reflecting on something is involved.

• I need to give it some thought before making a decision
• The thought of moving to a new city excites me

Used when discussing a general idea or understanding of something, often abstract and used in academic or professional contexts.

• The concept of freedom varies greatly between cultures
• They introduced a new concept in their marketing strategy

Used generally to describe the moment when an idea is formed or the beginning stage of anything, including pregnancy. It is often used in medical, scientific, and everyday language.

• The conception of the new project took a lot of brainstorming.
• Conception occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

A technical term used in biology and medicine to describe the process by which a sperm cell joins with an egg cell. Often used in scientific discussions or education.

• Fertilization is a critical step in the reproductive process.
• In vitro fertilization is a treatment for some types of infertility.

This word may carry a more clinical or sometimes negative connotation. It’s often used in scientific contexts or to describe the act of making someone pregnant.

• The impregnation of the eggs was successful in the lab experiment.
• He spoke about the process of impregnation in the study.

Specifically refers to the initial phase after conception when a woman first becomes pregnant. It is typically used in medical contexts or discussions about pregnancy.

• The beginning of pregnancy can be a very emotional time.
• She felt excited during the beginning of her pregnancy.