an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
"She struggled to grasp the concept of gravity until her teacher used falling apples as a concrete example to illustrate the abstract force holding the Earth together."
An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
"The professor explained that understanding complex physics often requires grasping the underlying concept rather than just memorizing formulas."
In plain English: A concept is an idea that represents a general understanding of something rather than a specific thing you can touch.
"The concept of time travel is popular in many science fiction movies."
Usage: Use "concept" to describe a general mental image or understanding of something rather than a specific instance. It refers to the broad idea itself, not the particular object or situation that embodies it.
to conceive; to dream up
"The architect finally conceived a revolutionary design for the new library that will become the city's landmark."
In plain English: To concept something means to form an idea or plan for it in your mind.
"The artist didn't just copy nature but concepted her own unique style from the beginning."
Usage: Do not use "concept" as a verb in standard English because it is incorrect; instead, use synonyms like "conceive," "envision," or "dream up" when you mean to form an idea. The word "concept" functions only as a noun to describe the idea itself.
The word "concept" entered English from the Middle French concept, which originally meant "a thought or purpose." It ultimately derives from the Latin verb concipio, meaning "to take in" or "to conceive."