conceptual

[kuhn-sep-choo-uhl]

adjective

1. pertaining to concepts or to the forming of concepts.

conceptual

/ kənˈsɛptjʊəl /

adjective

1. relating to or concerned with concepts; abstract

2. concerned with the definitions or relations of the concepts of some field of enquiry rather than with the facts

Other Word Forms

• conceptually adverb
• conceptuality noun
• nonconceptual adjective
• postconceptual adjective
• unconceptual adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceptual¹

First recorded in 1655–65; Medieval Latin conceptuālis; conceptus, -al ¹

Example Sentences

I think it’s a balance between spontaneity, a game between the organic, the intellectual, the conceptual.

From Los Angeles Times

Going back to Benito’s masterpiece, its conceptual gravitas is almost grander than the songs themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

You wish more time was spent on that conceptual idea, enabled by celebrities throwing around money on food they barely ate.

From Los Angeles Times

In your images, I see you exploring police brutality on American soil, but also recurring motifs like cowrie shells, smoke and flowers seem to be more conceptual reminders of home, ritual, currency and cultural memory.

From Los Angeles Times

The White House and defence officials have so far provided few concrete details about what the Golden Dome - which is still in its conceptual stages - would actually look like.

From BBC

Related Words

• theoretical 
• visionary