concept
/ˈkɒnsɛpt/
noun
Origin
Latin
concipere — to take in, to become pregnant, to conceive
Overview
Meaning Now
- An abstract idea or a general notion; a plan or intention.
- A concept vehicle or artwork representing an initial design idea.
Literal older meaning
something conceived
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
conceptus
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term originated from scholastic philosophy, where it referred to the 'conception' of an idea in the mind as an entity that could be contemplated. It mirrors the physical process of conception in the womb, reflecting the ancient view that thought is something 'taken in' and developed.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*kap-
“to grasp, take”
- Latin
concipere
“to take in, to conceive (in the mind or womb)”
Prefix 'con-' (together) + 'capere' (to take).
- Medieval Latin
conceptum
“a thing conceived”
Past participle used as a noun.
- Middle French
concept
“an idea, a conception”
- Early Modern English
concept
“an abstract notion”
First recorded in English usage around 1550.
Connections
Word parts
con-
prefix
together, with
cept
root
to take, grasp
Related across languages
French
concept
Spanish
concepto
concept
German
Konzept
concept/draft
Related words
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Related to concept
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.