Conceit vs. Concept — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
A conceit is an elaborate or strained metaphor, often used in poetry to link disparate ideas creatively; a concept is a general idea or understanding that forms the basis of a thought or system.
Difference Between Conceit and Concept
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A conceit is a literary device, specifically a type of metaphor that makes a surprising connection between two unlike things, often extended across a poem or a large part of a literary work. In contrast, a concept is a fundamental idea or principle that serves as a building block for further theory or understanding in various disciplines.
Conceits are particularly noted for their ingenuity and expressive power, stretching the imagination to forge unusual or seemingly illogical comparisons. Whereas, concepts are used broadly across disciplines, such as in philosophy, science, and everyday reasoning, to simplify and clarify complex information.
In literature, a conceit might link the physical with the abstract in a surprising manner, such as comparing love to a physical journey. On the other hand, a concept might be something as simple as the idea of gravity or as abstract as justice, which underpins theories and discussions.
While conceits are primarily used for artistic expression to evoke emotional or thoughtful reactions from the audience, concepts are utilized for analytical purposes, helping to categorize and discuss ideas systematically.
The use of a conceit often requires creativity and deep thought to appreciate the layers of meaning, whereas understanding a concept generally involves intellectual engagement and comprehension of its applications and implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An elaborate or strained metaphor in literature.
A general idea or understanding that forms the basis of a thought or system.
Use
Used to link unlikely comparisons artistically in literature.
Used broadly across various disciplines to simplify and explain ideas.
Purpose
To evoke emotion or provoke thought through creative comparisons.
To provide a foundational understanding for further discussion or development.
Example
Comparing a lover's heart to a fortress in a poem.
The idea of democracy as a system of government.
Required Skill
Requires creativity and a deep understanding of both elements in the metaphor.
Requires analytical skills and understanding of broad implications.
Compare with Definitions
Conceit
A witty or ingenious thought.
The conceit of linking time travel to memory lapses captured readers' imaginations.
Concept
An abstract idea representing the fundamental characteristics of what it represents.
The concept of freedom is central to many political ideologies.
Conceit
An extended metaphor with a complex logic that governs a poetic passage or entire poem.
In his poem, he used the conceit of a broken compass to describe his erratic life.
Concept
A general notion or idea.
The concept of sustainability guides modern environmental policies.
Conceit
An unusually far-fetched or elaborate metaphor.
He employed a conceit comparing love to a vast ocean, deep and dangerous.
Concept
An idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity.
The marketing team developed a new concept for the product launch.
Conceit
A deliberate hyperbole that stretches the imagination.
The playwright's conceit of a world without color highlighted themes of diversity.
Concept
A plan or intention; a conception.
The architect’s concept for the new building was both innovative and sustainable.
Conceit
A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy.
Her poetry explores the conceit of the sea as a mirror of the mind.
Concept
A philosophical or theoretical idea.
His work introduced the concept of existentialism to a broader audience.
Conceit
In modern literary criticism, more common with genre fiction, conceit often means an extended rhetorical device, summed up in a short phrase, that refers to a situation which either does not exist, or exists rarely, but is needed for the plot. "Faster than light travel" and "superior alien science" are examples from science fiction; the "hardboiled private gumshoe" is an example from detective stories.
Concept
Concepts are defined as abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, in speech, or in thought. They are understood to be the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs.
Conceit
Excessive pride in oneself
He was puffed up with conceit
Concept
An abstract idea
Structuralism is a difficult concept
The concept of justice
Conceit
An ingenious or fanciful comparison or metaphor
The idea of the wind's singing is a prime romantic conceit
Concept
A general idea or understanding of something
The concept of inertia.
The concept of free will.
Conceit
Unduly favorable estimation of one's own abilities or worth; overly positive self-regard.
Concept
A plan or original idea
The original concept was for a building with 12 floors.
Conceit
(Archaic) Estimation or opinion of something, especially when favorable.
Concept
A unifying idea or theme, especially for a product or service
A new restaurant concept.
Conceit
A witty expression or fanciful idea
"opinionated and very funny in his conceits" (Paul Theroux).
Concept
Having an experimental or strikingly different design, especially to test or demonstrate new features
A concept car.
Conceit
A fanciful poetic image, especially an elaborate or exaggerated comparison.
Concept
An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
Conceit
(Obsolete) The result of intellectual activity; a thought or an opinion.
Concept
Understanding retained in the mind, from experience, reasoning and imagination; a generalization (generic, basic form), or abstraction (mental impression), of a particular set of instances or occurrences (specific, though different, recorded manifestations of the concept).
Conceit
A decorative article; a knickknack.
Concept
(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.
Conceit
An extravagant, fanciful, and elaborate construction or structure
"a bulky stone conceit with its paws clenched" (Edie Meidev).
Concept
To conceive; to dream up
Conceit
Chiefly British To take a fancy to.
Concept
An abstract general conception; a notion; a universal.
The words conception, concept, notion, should be limited to the thought of what can not be represented in the imagination; as, the thought suggested by a general term.
Conceit
(Obsolete) To understand; conceive.
Concept
An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Conceit
(obsolete) Something conceived in the mind; an idea, a thought.
Conceit
The faculty of conceiving ideas; mental faculty; apprehension.
A man of quick conceit
Conceit
Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; lively fancy.
Conceit
(obsolete) Opinion, (neutral) judgment.
Conceit
Esteem, favourable opinion.
Conceit
(countable) A novel or fanciful idea; a whim.
Conceit
An ingenious expression or metaphorical idea, especially in extended form or used as a literary or rhetorical device.
Conceit
(uncountable) Overly high self-esteem; vain pride; hubris.
Conceit
Design; pattern.
Conceit
(obsolete) To form an idea; to think.
Conceit
To conceive.
Conceit
That which is conceived, imagined, or formed in the mind; idea; thought; image; conception.
In laughing, there ever procedeth a conceit of somewhat ridiculous.
A man wise in his own conceit.
Conceit
Faculty of conceiving ideas; mental faculty; apprehension; as, a man of quick conceit.
How often, alas! did her eyes say unto me that they loved! and yet I, not looking for such a matter, had not my conceit open to understand them.
Conceit
Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; lively fancy.
His wit's as thick as Tewksbury mustard; there's more conceit in him than is in a mallet.
Conceit
A fanciful, odd, or extravagant notion; a quant fancy; an unnatural or affected conception; a witty thought or turn of expression; a fanciful device; a whim; a quip.
On his way to the gibbet, a freak took him in the head to go off with a conceit.
Some to conceit alone their works confine,And glittering thoughts struck out at every line.
Tasso is full of conceits . . . which are not only below the dignity of heroic verse but contrary to its nature.
Conceit
An overweening idea of one's self; vanity.
Plumed with conceit he calls aloud.
Conceit
Design; pattern.
Conceit
To conceive; to imagine.
The strong, by conceiting themselves weak, are therebly rendered as inactive . . . as if they really were so.
One of two bad ways you must conceit me,Either a coward or a flatterer.
Conceit
To form an idea; to think.
Those whose . . . vulgar apprehensions conceit but low of matrimonial purposes.
Conceit
Feelings of excessive pride
Conceit
The trait of being vain and conceited
Common Curiosities
What is a conceit in literature?
A conceit in literature is an elaborate metaphor that makes a surprising connection between two dissimilar things, often used to add depth and intrigue to a work.
What does concept mean?
A concept is a general idea or understanding that serves as the foundation for further thought, discussion, or innovation.
How does a conceit differ from a simple metaphor?
A conceit is more elaborate and extended than a simple metaphor, often running through an entire work or a large part of it, making highly creative or unexpected comparisons.
Why are concepts important in education?
Concepts are crucial in education because they help students and learners grasp complex ideas by breaking them down into understandable units.
What are some examples of concepts in science?
Examples in science include the concepts of evolution, atomic theory, and relativity.
How is a conceit used effectively in poetry?
A conceit is used effectively in poetry when it deeply enriches the reader's understanding and appreciation of the poem's themes and emotions by making surprising, thoughtful connections.
Can a conceit be a concept?
While a conceit can involve conceptual thinking, it is specifically a literary device and not a broad general idea like a concept.
How can one develop a new concept?
Developing a new concept typically involves research, exploration of existing knowledge, and creative thinking to identify new ways of understanding or explaining phenomena.
What role do concepts play in business?
In business, concepts are used to develop new products, services, or business models that meet market needs or solve specific problems.
Can concepts change over time?
Yes, concepts can evolve as new information becomes available or as societal views change, reflecting the dynamic nature of knowledge.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
