1. something thought or imagined: something that somebody has thought up, or that somebody might be able to imagine
2. broad principle affecting perception and behavior: a broad abstract idea or a guiding general principle, e.g. one that determines how a person or culture behaves, or how nature, reality, or events are perceived the concept of time
3. understanding or grasp: the most basic understanding of something has little concept of what is involved
4. way of doing or perceiving something: a method, plan, or type of product or design
[Mid-16th century. < late Latin conceptus< past participle of Latin concipere (see conceive)]
