conceptualize
kun-SEP-choo-uh-lyze
/kənˈsɛptʃuəˌlaɪz/
To form a concept or idea of something; to imagine how something might look or work in theory.
Conceptualizing is more abstract than designing; it's about the 'what' and 'why' before the 'how'.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'concipere', meaning 'to take in and hold'. It's the same root as 'conceive', suggesting that the mind 'takes in' an idea and nurtures it.
Word relationships
- envision: Envisioning is more visual; conceptualizing is more logical and structural.
- conceive: Conceive is often used for the very first moment of an idea; conceptualize is the process of fleshing it out.
Commonly confused with
- visualize: Visualize is to see in the mind's eye; conceptualize is to understand the underlying idea.
Word family
- concept (noun): An abstract idea.
- conceptual (adjective): Relating to mental concepts.
- conceptualization (noun): The act of conceptualizing.
Collocations
- conceptualize a project
- conceptualize a solution
- difficult to conceptualize
- fully conceptualize
Example sentences
- "It is difficult to conceptualize the scale of the project without seeing the blueprints." Project Planning
- "We need to conceptualize a new way of living that is more sustainable." Philosophy
Memory hook
'Concept' + 'Visualize'. Making a concept visual in your mind. Building the idea in your head.
When not to use
Don't use it when you mean 'to build' or 'to draw'; it happens entirely in the mind.
Fun facts
- In modern art, 'Conceptualism' is a movement where the idea behind the work is more important than the finished art object itself.
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