concept
UK[ˈkɒnsept]US[ˈkɑːnsept]
n
an idea or a principle that is connected with something abstract
Morpheme Breakdown
con
cept
con
together
cept
take
Etymology
The word "concept" originates from the Latin past participle conceptus, meaning "a thing conceived," derived from the verb concipere ("to take in, conceive"). This verb itself is a compound of the prefix con- ("together") and capere ("to take"). The literal sense of "taking in" or "gathering together" ideas in the mind evolved into the abstract philosophical meaning of a mental representation or general notion. It entered English in the 16th century via Middle French, solidifying its modern meaning as an abstract idea or principle.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + cept (take)
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- cept: Latin origin, from the root of the verb capere meaning "to take, seize, hold".
Examples
The concept of free speech is central to a democratic society.
It's a simple concept, but difficult to put into practice.
The course introduces students to the basic concepts of psychology.