How to pronounce conception
Say it like kun-SEP-shun. Conception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce conception. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- SEP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Conception pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of conception
American and British speakers say conception in essentially the same way: /kənˈsɛpʃən/ in the US and /kənˈsɛpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-SEP-shun.
What does conception mean?
- an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
- the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
- the event that occurred at the beginning of something“from its creation the plan was doomed to failure”
Where does conception come from?
From Middle English concepcioun, borrowed from Old French conception, from Latin conceptiō (“a comprehending, a collection, composition, an expression, also a becoming pregnant”), from concipiō, past participle conceptus (“conceive”); see conceive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with conception
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of conception.
Questions about saying conception
How do you pronounce conception?
Say kun-SEP-shun. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsɛpʃən/. In British English it is /kənˈsɛpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in conception?
Conception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: kun · SEP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say conception the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈsɛpʃən/ and the British form is /kənˈsɛpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.