Search Dictionary
Definition of preconceive

preconceive

/ˌpriːkənˈsiːv/
pre · con · ceive
Adjective:preconceived
•
Past Simple:preconceived
•
Past Participle:preconceived
•
Present Participle:preconceiving
JUMP TO:

preconceive Lexical Profile

preconceive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To form (an idea, opinion, or expectation) beforehand, prior to having full knowledge, actual experience, or sufficient evidence.

Example

"Researchers must be careful not to preconceive the outcome of an experiment before analyzing all the empirical data."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for preconceive

Word Nuance & Usage

The finite verb 'preconceive' is relatively rare in modern English compared to its participial adjective 'preconceived', which appears frequently in collocations such as 'preconceived notions' or 'preconceived ideas'.

• Rhymes for preconceive

• Nearby Words

precollege
precollegiate
precolonial
preconceive
preconceived
preconception
precondition

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, formed in English from the prefix pre- ('before') and conceive, from Old French conceivre and Latin concipere ('to take in and hold, imagine').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preconceive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preconceive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.