conceptually
/kənˈsep.tʃu.ə.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a way that is about ideas, theory, or general principles, not practical details. It means thinking about the basic idea of something.
- Conceptually, the plan is sound.
- The two ideas are conceptually similar.
- Conceptually, this is easy to understand.
Adinary Nuance
Conceptually is used when you want to talk about an idea in theory, not in real-life practice. It is close to theoretically, but conceptually often sounds more about the basic structure of an idea. Compared with practically, it points away from real-world use and toward thinking or understanding.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- về mặt khái niệm
- Spanish
- conceptualmente
- Chinese
- 概念上
- Japanese
- 概念的に
- Korean
- 개념적으로
Etymology
Conceptually comes from concept, which entered English from Latin conceptum, meaning “something conceived.” The adverb formed later in English with -ally.
Common phrases
conceptually similarconceptually speakingconceptually sound
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is conceptually the same as theoretically?
- They are close, but not identical. Conceptually focuses more on the idea itself, while theoretically often means in theory, not in practice.
- Can I use conceptually in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in academic, essay, and formal writing when discussing ideas and models.
- Is conceptually informal or formal?
- It is mostly formal and is more common in writing than in everyday speech.
- How do I use conceptually in a sentence?
- Use it before a statement about ideas or principles, such as: Conceptually, the argument makes sense.