What is conceive? Pronunciation and usage in English

conceive means . Learn how to pronounce and use conceive through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of conceive

conceiveverb

/kənˈsiːv//kənˈsiːv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "conceive." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with a few options for how to approach it:

1. The Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • kon- சீভ (pronounced: kon-SEEV)

    • kon: Sounds like "con" in "concern," but with a slightly harder ‘k’ sound. It's a single syllable.
    • சீভ: This is the tricky part. It’s a sound not found in many English words. It’s a long “ee” sound, but with a slight curl of the tongue toward the roof of your mouth, as if you're forming the "ee" sound in "see" but pushing it further back. Think of it as a more emphatic, drawn-out "ee" than you would normally make. It's similar to the "ee" sound in the French word "feu" (pronounced "fuh").

2. A Slightly More Phonetic (but still challenging) Breakdown:

  • /kɒnˈsiːv/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

    • /kɒn/: “con” (as above)
    • /ˈsiːv/: The stress is on the second syllable. The “s” is followed by a long “ee” - the same as described above.

Tips & Considerations:

  • The "ee" sound is key: This is the most crucial part. Many English speakers struggle with this specific vowel sound. Practice saying “see” and “sea” and then try to stretch the “ee” a bit further back in your throat.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the ‘v’. It’s a very soft ‘v’ sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce conceive" on Google. You'll get audio clips from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, and other dictionaries.
    • YouTube: Search for "pronounce conceive" on YouTube – you'll find numerous videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word conceive in English

The word "conceive" has a few different meanings in English, evolving in usage over time. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, separated by its core meanings:

1. To Form a Thought or Idea (Most Common Usage Today)

  • Meaning: This is the most common meaning of "conceive" today. It means to think of something, to form an idea in your mind, or to devise a plan. It's often used in a more formal or literary context.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "She conceived of a brilliant plan to solve the problem." (She thought of a brilliant plan.)
    • "He conceived the idea for the novel during a long train ride." (He formed the idea for the novel.)
    • "Before starting the project, we need to conceive a detailed timeline." (We need to think about/plan a detailed timeline.)
  • Synonyms: formulate, devise, imagine, plan, think up, originate.

2. To Become Pregnant (Archaic - Still Used in Formal Contexts)

  • Meaning: Historically, and still used formally, "conceive" means to become pregnant; to conceive a child. This usage is increasingly rare in everyday speech.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The couple conceived in the summer of 2023." (They became pregnant.)
    • "She conceived a child at the age of thirty-five." (She became pregnant.)
  • Synonyms: become pregnant, conceive a child, get pregnant.

3. (Rare - More Technical) To Perceive or Understand

  • Meaning: In a very specific and less common usage, "conceive" can mean to perceive or understand something, often in a metaphorical or intellectual sense. It suggests a sudden realization or awareness.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "He didn't conceive the significance of the event until later." (He didn't understand the significance.)
    • "She couldn’t conceive how anyone could be so cruel." (She couldn't understand how anyone could be so cruel.)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Formality: “Conceive” is generally considered a more formal word than "think."
  • Context is Crucial: Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Modern Usage: Most people today will understand "conceive" to mean “to form an idea.” Using it to mean "become pregnant" can sound old-fashioned.

Resources for Further Study:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of writing/speaking are you using the word "conceive"? (e.g., a formal essay, a casual conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word conceive

Practice with vocabulary conceive

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The engineering team worked tirelessly to _______ a solution that was both innovative and cost-effective.
  2. It's difficult to _______ the sheer scale of the universe; our minds struggle with such vastness.
  3. Before starting the project, we need to _______ a clear outline of our objectives and expected outcomes.
  4. The board decided to _______ the new policy immediately, hoping for positive results.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describes the act of forming an idea or plan in the mind? a) Execute b) Conceive c) Analyze d) Validate

  2. To effectively understand the complex theory, one must be able to _______ its implications fully. a) Grasp b) Reject c) Conceive d) Envision

  3. The marketing team struggled to _______ a campaign that would truly resonate with the target audience. a) Oblige b) Conceive c) Impose d) Detach

  4. When presenting a proposal, it is crucial to _______ your arguments clearly and logically. a) Articulate b) Suppress c) Divulge d) Deviate

  5. The manager asked us to _______ the potential risks before launching the new product. a) Overlook b) Mitigate c) Assess d) Procrastinate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It was difficult for them to imagine how such a small change could lead to significant global impact. Rewrite using "conceive" or related word forms.

  2. Original: The architect developed an innovative design for the new city park. Rewrite using "conceive" or related word forms.

  3. Original: We need to put together a strategy to address the current challenges. Rewrite without "conceive" but with a suitable replacement word.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. conceive
  2. conceive
  3. formulate
  4. implement

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Conceive
  2. a) Grasp, c) Conceive, d) Envision
  3. b) Conceive
  4. a) Articulate
  5. c) Assess

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was difficult for them to conceive of how such a small change could lead to significant global impact.
  2. The architect conceived an innovative design for the new city park.
  3. We need to formulate a strategy to address the current challenges.

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