Concept vs. Definition — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 3, 2023
Concept is an abstract idea or general notion. Definition is a precise statement of the meaning of a word or phrase.
Difference Between Concept and Definition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A concept is an abstract idea that encapsulates the fundamental characteristics of what it represents. A definition, on the other hand, is a statement that explains the meaning of a term or a concept with precision. While concepts are often broad and can be interpreted in various ways, definitions are intended to be clear and unambiguous. Both are foundational in the communication of ideas, but they serve different purposes: concepts for understanding and definitions for clarity.
The development of a concept involves thinking about the different aspects that make up an idea and how they relate to one another. Creating a definition requires one to specify exactly what a word or phrase stands for. While a concept might evolve and have multiple perspectives, a definition is usually established and accepted as a standard. Concepts encourage exploration and discussion, whereas definitions seek to establish boundaries.
Concepts are the building blocks of thought, inherently tied to our perception and cognitive processes. Definitions are the linguistic tools we use to convey the exact meaning of our concepts. In the realm of knowledge, concepts are what we try to grasp, and definitions are how we communicate our understanding of these concepts. Both are necessary for the edifice of knowledge to remain coherent and accessible.
In essence, concepts are like the blueprint of a building, representing ideas in a broad sense. Definitions are like the building codes, providing the necessary specifications and guidelines. Without the foundational ideas of concepts, definitions would have nothing to describe, and without definitions, the concepts could not be reliably shared or discussed. Both concepts and definitions are essential in the structure of knowledge and language.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Abstract idea or mental construct.
Specific explanation of a term or idea.
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Purpose
To provide a general understanding.
To give precise meaning.
Flexibility
Can be interpreted in various ways.
Aims for minimal interpretation.
Use in Language
Broad, often used in theoretical discussions.
Specific, used in clarifying language.
Evolution
Concepts can evolve and have multiple views.
Definitions are more fixed and less variable.
Compare with Definitions
Concept
A concept is an original idea that forms the basis of further development.
The inventor's concept for a new gadget impressed the investors.
Definition
A definition outlines the boundaries or limits of a word's significance.
By definition, a triangle has three sides.
Concept
A concept can be a theme or an abstract principle that guides thoughts or actions.
The design was based on the concept of sustainability.
Definition
A definition is often a formal description of a term's unique characteristics.
The legal definition of trespassing differs from the colloquial use.
Concept
A concept is a broad idea that encapsulates a group of related notions.
The concept of freedom varies greatly from one culture to another.
Definition
A definition is a precise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase.
The dictionary provided a clear definition of quixotic.
Concept
In business, a concept is a general idea behind a strategy or proposal.
They launched a new restaurant with a unique dining concept.
Definition
In mathematics, a definition provides the exact criteria for identifying a concept.
The definition of a prime number excludes the number one.
Concept
A concept often represents a philosophical idea or a theoretical construct.
His latest book challenges the traditional concepts of morality.
Definition
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories, intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term) and extensional definitions (which try to list the objects that a term describes).
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.
Definition
A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary
A dictionary definition of the verb
Concept
An abstract idea
Structuralism is a difficult concept
The concept of justice
Definition
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound
The clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics
Concept
A general idea or understanding of something
The concept of inertia.
The concept of free will.
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
Concept
A plan or original idea
The original concept was for a building with 12 floors.
Definition
A statement or description of the fundamental character or scope of something
"[The panel] calls for a clearer definition of the status of people captured in American military operations" (Economist).
Concept
A unifying idea or theme, especially for a product or service
A new restaurant concept.
Definition
The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning
The definition of terms is essential to any successful scholarly study.
Concept
Having an experimental or strikingly different design, especially to test or demonstrate new features
A concept car.
Definition
The state of being clearly outlined
"With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
Concept
An abstract and general idea; an abstraction.
Definition
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.
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).
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
Your definition of "elephant" needs to be more precise than "a big animal with large ears".
Concept
(generic programming) A description of supported operations on a type, including their syntax and semantics.
Definition
A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.
Concept
To conceive; to dream up
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
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.
Definition
The action or process of defining.
Concept
An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits.
Definition
A product of defining.
Definition
The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Her comic genius is beyond definition.
Definition
Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
The definition of a telescope.
Improve the definition of an image.
High-defintion videos
Definition
Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
Definition
Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
A jacket with distinct waist definition.
Definition
(bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
Definition
(programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
Definition
(mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.
Definition
Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for.
Definition
Description; sort.
Definition
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
Definition
Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Definition
A concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
Definition
Clarity of outline;
Exercise had give his muscles superior definition
Definition
A definition can be a statement that clarifies a term's usage and context.
The teacher asked for a definition of the term photosynthesis.
Common Curiosities
What is a definition?
A definition is a statement that clearly explains the meaning of a word or term.
Are definitions always agreed upon?
While standard definitions often have consensus, interpretations can vary in different contexts.
Can a concept change over time?
Yes, concepts can evolve as new information or perspectives emerge.
What is a concept?
A concept is a general idea or understanding that represents something abstract.
How does a concept differ from a specific example?
A concept is broad and can apply to many examples, while an example is a specific instance of a concept.
Do scientific fields have their own concepts and definitions?
Yes, scientific disciplines often have specialized concepts and definitions.
Is a concept always definable?
Most concepts can be defined, but some abstract concepts may be difficult to define precisely.
Can a concept exist without a word to describe it?
Yes, concepts can exist even if a language has not yet assigned a word to them.
Are concepts and definitions important in everyday language?
Absolutely, they're vital for expressing ideas and information clearly.
Can one word have multiple definitions?
Yes, many words have several definitions based on different uses.
How does a definition relate to a concept?
A definition aims to give clear and precise meaning to a concept.
Why are definitions important?
Definitions help ensure clear communication and understanding of terms.
How do new concepts emerge?
New concepts can emerge from scientific discoveries, cultural changes, or innovative thinking.
Who decides on the official definition of a word?
Dictionaries and academic institutions often provide standard definitions, but usage and context can shape them.
Can a definition be wrong?
If a definition doesn't accurately reflect the understood meaning or use of a word, it can be considered incorrect.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
