conceive
Definitions
To form or develop an idea, plan, or opinion in the mind.
构思，设想；想象
To become pregnant; to begin the development of a baby.
怀孕，受孕
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- ("together") + ceive ("take," the French-path surface form of capere) = "take in / grasp together." Mentally, that means taking an idea into the mind (conceive a plan); biologically, the body "takes in" and starts a new life (conceive a child). The noun is conception, which swaps -ceive back to the -cept spelling.
Root cap still carries 163 more wordsUsage Guide
- "conceive OF something" (with of): for the mental sense — imagine or form an idea: "I can't conceive of doing that."
- "conceive something" (no of): for plans/designs — devise: "They conceived a brilliant scheme."
- "conceive (a child)": the pregnancy sense; can be used with or without an object: "She conceived in spring."
- Spelling: conceive (-ceive), but the noun is conception (-cept) — the same /-i:v/ → /-epʃ/ shift as receive → reception.
Example Sentences
- 1.
It's hard to conceive of a world without the internet.
- 2.
The architect conceived a bold new design for the museum.
- 3.
After years of trying, they finally conceived a child.
- 4.
I cannot conceive how she managed it all alone.