conceive

[ kuh n-seev ]
/ kənˈsiv /

verb (used with object), con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing.

verb (used without object), con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing.

to form an idea; think (usually followed by of).
to become pregnant.

Origin of conceive

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French conceivre < Latin concipere to take fully, take in, equivalent to con- con- + -cipere, combining form of capere to take

SYNONYMS FOR conceive

2, 8 See imagine.

OTHER WORDS FROM conceive

Example sentences from the Web for conceive

British Dictionary definitions for conceive

conceive
/ (kənˈsiːv) /

verb

(when intr, foll by of; when tr, often takes a clause as object) to have an idea (of); imagine; think
(tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to hold as an opinion; believe
(tr) to develop or form, esp in the mind she conceived a passion for music
to become pregnant with (young)
(tr) rare to express in words

Derived forms of conceive

conceiver, noun

Word Origin for conceive

C13: from Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere to take in, from capere to take

Medical definitions for conceive

conceive
[ kən-sēv ]

v.

To become pregnant.
To apprehend mentally; to understand.