conceptualize
UK[kənˈsep.tʃu.ə.laɪz]US[kənˈsep.tʃu.ə.laɪz]
v
to form an idea or principle in your mind
v
to express something as an abstract concept
Morpheme Breakdown
concept
ual
ize
concept
idea
ual
relating to
ize
to make
Etymology
the word 'conceptualize' is a modern english formation built upon the classical latin foundation of 'conceptus', which itself originates from the verb 'concipere', meaning to take in or conceive. the latin root 'concipere' is a compound of 'con-' (together) and 'capere' (to take), a verb descended from the proto-indo-european root kap- (to grasp). the english word layers the adjectival suffix '-ual' onto 'concept' to form 'conceptual', meaning pertaining to ideas, and finally appends the verbalizing suffix '-ize'. this morphological construction logically charts a path from the ancient sense of physically grasping something to the modern abstract process of forming and articulating mental concepts.
Analysis
Structure: concept (idea) + ual (relating to) + ize (to make)
- concept: from latin 'conceptus' (a thing conceived), from 'concipere' (to take in, conceive). functions as the core noun root.
- ual: a latin-derived suffix (from '-alis') forming adjectives meaning "relating to" or "of the nature of".
- ize: a greek-derived suffix (via latin '-izare') forming verbs meaning "to make" or "to become".
Examples
it is difficult to conceptualize the vast distances in outer space.
the architect worked to conceptualize the client's vision into a feasible design.
philosophers often conceptualize time in different ways.