conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl 

-chü-əl,

kän-,

-chəl,

-shwəl

: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

conceptual thinking

the project's conceptual and technical hurdles

conceptual designs

conceptuality

kən-ˌsep-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

-shə-;

-chü-ˈa-

-shü-

noun

conceptually adverb

Synonyms

• abstract
• ideal
• ideational
• metaphysical
• notional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Examples of conceptual in a Sentence

The plans have both conceptual and practical difficulties.

conceptual thinking is often the most demanding kind of mental activity

Recent Examples on the Web

After a lengthy review process, the final conceptual designs are now set. —Xander Peters, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2024

The lounge was a conceptual artwork that, as The Washington Post reported previously, only allowed one man inside: the butler who served women fancy high teas. —Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 25 June 2024

How can it be avoided? Disability Studies: Foundations & Key Concepts This non-exhaustive reading list highlights some of the key debates and conceptual shifts in disability studies. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

Thinking 7 Greek philosophers and their brilliantly flawed explanations of nature Though ultimately incorrect, the ancient Greek philosophers blazed a conceptual trail for humankind to understand the nature of reality. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin conceptualis of thought, from Late Latin conceptus act of conceiving, thought, from Latin concipere — see concept entry 1

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing conceptual

• conceptual art

Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, kän-, -ˈsepsh-wəl 

: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

conceptually adverb