conceive

/kənˈsiːv/verb

To form an idea or plan in your mind; to think something up.

Example sentences

“The architect conceived the design while sketching on a napkin.”
“In 1990, few people could conceive of carrying a computer in their pocket.”

Takes 'of' when it means imagine: 'hard to conceive of a better plan'. The pregnancy sense uses no preposition.

Synonyms for conceive

devise
dream up
imagine
think up
envision

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

concentrateTo direct all your attention or thinking toward one thing.conceitedToo proud of yourself and your own talents or looks; vain.conciergeA hotel employee whose job is to help guests with requests such as bookings and directions.concedeTo give something up or admit defeat; to grant something reluctantly.conciseExpressed in few words while still covering everything important.computerAn electronic machine that stores and processes information and runs programs.