Conceptual: meaning, definitions and examples

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conceptual

 

[หŒkษ’nหˆsษ›ptสƒสŠษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

thinking

relating to or based on ideas or concepts; abstract or theoretical.

Synonyms

abstract, ideational, theoretical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conceptual

Used when referring to ideas or plans that are still in the thought stage and not yet concrete or practical. Often used in discussions about projects, art, and general theories.

  • She presented a conceptual framework for the new marketing strategy.
  • His paintings often explore conceptual themes around human nature.
abstract

Utilized when discussing ideas, art, or topics that are not tangible or directly observable. Frequently applies to art and deeper philosophical discussions.

  • The professor's lecture on love was very abstract and difficult to follow.
  • Abstract art doesn't attempt to represent physical reality directly.

Examples of usage

  • conceptual thinking
  • conceptual framework for the project
Context #2 | Noun

art

a work of art in which the idea behind the piece is more important than the finished product.

Synonyms

abstract art, idea-based art, non-representational art.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conceptual

Use this word when focusing on the ideas, theories, or intentions behind something rather than its physical form. Ideal when discussing thoughts or intellectual aspects.

  • Her approach to the project was very conceptual, focusing on the underlying themes rather than the structure.
  • The book provides a conceptual framework for understanding modern economics.
abstract art

Choose this phrase when referring to a style of art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colors, and textures.

  • Jackson Pollock's paintings are iconic examples of abstract art.
  • Many people find abstract art difficult to understand because it doesn't depict clear images.
idea-based art

This phrase is similar to 'conceptual art' and is used when you want to highlight that the artwork is driven by ideas or concepts rather than aesthetics or traditional techniques.

  • Idea-based art often challenges viewers to think in new ways about familiar subjects.
  • Her installation was pure idea-based art, provoking conversations about technology and society.
non-representational art

Apply this term when describing artwork that doesn't depict or represent any specific visual references from the real world. It focuses on abstract elements like shapes, colors, and lines.

  • Non-representational art can be evocative, creating an emotional response through forms and colors.
  • Many galleries feature non-representational art alongside more traditional works.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his conceptual art pieces.
  • Conceptual art challenges traditional artistic conventions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'conceptual' comes from the Latin word 'conceptus,' meaning 'conceived.'
  • It became established in English during the mid-20th century, primarily in psychology and philosophy.
  • The prefix 'con-' means together, while '-cept' refers to taking or seizing, emphasizing how ideas are formed.

Psychology

  • In psychology, conceptual thinking allows individuals to solve problems using abstract ideas rather than relying solely on practical experiences.
  • Cognitive development in children, as noted by psychologist Jean Piaget, relies on their ability to form conceptual frameworks to understand their surroundings.
  • Conceptual frameworks are essential in therapy, helping individuals interpret their thoughts and feelings in a structured way.

Art and Design

  • Many contemporary artists focus on conceptual art, where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished piece itself.
  • In graphic design, conceptual development involves brainstorming ideas before creating visuals, ensuring clarity in communication.
  • Famous works, like Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain,' challenged traditional notions of art by prioritizing concept over craftsmanship.

Education

  • Conceptual learning emphasizes understanding underlying principles rather than rote memorization of facts.
  • Teaching approaches like inquiry-based learning encourage students to explore and develop their conceptual knowledge through questioning.
  • In mathematics, grasping conceptual relationships (like fractions being parts of a whole) is crucial for applying skills to solve real-world problems.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the nature of concepts, exploring how they shape our understanding of reality.
  • The distinction between conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge is vital in discussions of education and learning.
  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant developed theories about how conceptual frameworks govern human perception.

Translations

Translations of the word "conceptual" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น conceitual

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅŒเคฒเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช konzeptionell

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ konseptual

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั†ะตะฟั‚ัƒะฐะปัŒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koncepcyjny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฆ‚ๅฟต็š„ (gainen-teki)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท conceptuel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ conceptual

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kavramsal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐœ๋…์ ์ธ (gaenyeomjeog-in)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุงู‡ูŠู…ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ koncepฤnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ koncepฤnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฆ‚ๅฟต็š„ (gร iniร n de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ konceptualen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hugmyndafrรฆรฐilegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฑะถั‹ั€ั‹ะผะดะฐะผะฐะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒชแƒ”แƒžแƒขแƒฃแƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konseptual

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ conceptual

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,425 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.