What does “concept” mean?
- 1
nouna general idea or principle about what something is or how it works
The concept of time is hard to explain to young children.
Concept at a glance
- Part of speech
- noun
- CEFR level
- B2 (upper intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /ˈkɑnsɛpt/ · KON-sept
How to use “concept” correctly
More abstract and academic than “idea”. Say “the concept of freedom”, not “the concept about freedom”.
Common phrases with “concept”
- basic concept
- the concept of
- grasp a concept
- proof of concept
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Word family
- conceptual
- conception
- conceive
“concept” is on these word lists
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- distinction nounC1a clear difference between two similar things
- knowledge nounB1the information and understanding you get from learning or experience
- theory nounB1a set of ideas that tries to explain why something happens
- gravity nounB2the force that pulls objects toward the earth or other large bodies
- indication nounB2a sign that shows something is true or is likely to happen
- objective nounB2something you plan to achieve; an aim
- apparent adjectiveB2clear and easy to notice