conceive
UK[kənˈsiːv]US[kənˈsiːv]
v
to form an idea, plan, or design in the mind
v
to become pregnant with a child
Morpheme Breakdown
con
ceive
con
together
ceive
take
Etymology
the word 'conceive' originates from the latin 'concipere', a compound of 'con-' (together) and 'capere' (to take). the literal sense was "to take into oneself, take in and hold," which evolved into the abstract meaning of taking an idea into the mind. this same root also gave rise to the biological meaning of taking in seed to begin a pregnancy. the underlying logic connects the physical act of receiving and holding something internally with the mental act of forming and holding a thought.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + ceive (take)
'con-' is a Latin prefix meaning 'together' or 'with'. '-ceive' is from the Latin root 'capere', meaning 'to take'.
Examples
it is difficult to conceive of a world without electricity.
the architect conceived a bold new design for the city center.
she was unable to conceive for many years before seeking medical help.