conceive
Translation
to imagine, to think of, to become pregnant
Examples
I cannot conceive why he would do that.
I cannot conceive why he would do that.
The plan was conceived by the new manager.
The plan was conceived by the new manager.
She was unable to conceive a child.
She was unable to conceive a child.
Grammar Patterns
to conceive of ((sth.)) to imagine (sth.) It's hard to conceive of a world without phones.
to conceive ((sth.)) to create (sth.) The project was brilliantly conceived.
to conceive ((a child)) to become pregnant with (a child) They had wanted to conceive for many years.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'con-' (together) and 'capere' (to take). It means to 'take in', either an idea into the mind or a baby into the womb.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'receiving' something – whether an idea or a baby. Both meanings involve taking something in.