concepts

IPA/ˈkɒn.sept/
KK[kˈɑnsɛpts]IPA/ˈkɑːn.sept/

concepts — noun

  • conceptssingular
  • conceptsesplural

1. a general thought or mental picture of something that exists in the mind rather

1.nounB2
Definition

a general thought or mental picture of something that exists in the mind rather than as a physical object

Example

The children found the concept of infinity very difficult to understand.

concept of [abstract idea]

Dr. Anwar explained the core concepts of physics using everyday objects.

core concepts of [subject]

Common collocations
  • basic concept
  • key concept
  • central concept
  • abstract concept
  • understand a concept
  • grasp a concept
  • introduce a concept
Synonyms
  • idea

    more general and less formal; can be a sudden thought or suggestion

  • notion

    often a vague or partly-formed idea, sometimes used with a hint of skepticism

  • theory

    a more developed and systematic explanation meant to explain facts or events

Usage Note

Often followed by 'of' when specifying the topic: concept of [something]. Frequently modified by adjectives such as 'basic', 'key', 'central', or 'abstract'.

Common Mistakes

I have a concept about your problem' (for 'idea/suggestion').
I have a concept of how the system works.
'Concept' means a general mental model, not a casual suggestion.

2. a complete lack of awareness or knowledge about something, appearing mainly in t

2.nounB2
Definition

a complete lack of awareness or knowledge about something, appearing mainly in the fixed phrase 'have no concept of'

Example

Luis has no concept of how cold Canadian winters can actually be.

have no concept of [something]

Many people have no concept of what nurses deal with during a night shift.

Common collocations
  • have no concept of
  • had no concept of
  • has no concept of
  • no concept of how/why/what

Grammar Patterns

have no concept of (something)

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used with negative structures — typically 'have/has/had no concept of'. It does not appear in affirmative sentences like 'I have a concept of that'. The affirmative form belongs to sense 1.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Concept', 'idea', 'notion', 'theory', and 'thought' all refer to something formed in the mind, but they differ in how developed or formal the mental picture is. 'Concept' is the most structured — it implies a considered, abstract understanding, such as the concept of democracy. 'Idea' is the broadest and most neutral term; it can be anything from a sudden flash ('I have an idea!') to a careful plan. 'Notion' tends to be vaguer or based on casual impression, often used with a touch of doubt ('He has some notion about how it works'). 'Theory' is a system of ideas meant to explain observable facts, requiring more evidence than a concept. 'Thought' is the most personal and general — it covers any single mental event or opinion. For classroom use: teachers explain concepts, friends share ideas, sceptics dismiss notions, scientists test theories, and everyone has thoughts.

idea ↗notion ↗theory ↗thought ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'conceptum', meaning 'something conceived in the mind', from the verb 'concipere' (to take in, absorb), which combines 'com-' (together) and 'capere' (to take). The word entered English through French in the mid-1500s, first used as a term in logic and philosophy before spreading to everyday language.

First known use

1561

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1