prevailing conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or widely accepted idea or belief about a particular topic or issue. Example: "The prevailing conception of climate change has shifted significantly over the past decade, leading to increased public awareness and action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Whether or not World War I changed its real nature between 1914 and 1918, the prevailing conception of it underwent significant alteration.

Britannica

The apparent affluence of the temple's membership challenged the prevailing conception of such incidents as the product of deprivations experienced by members and suggested a more ideological causation.

Britannica

Until only a few generations ago, the prevailing conception of illness was that the sick were contaminated by some toxin or contagion or an excess of one humor or another.

The New York Times - Magazine

Acknowledging but rejecting the prevailing conception of the Cold War university largely dedicated to supporting national security, Schrum provides a more complete and contextualized account of the American research university between 1945 and 1970.

Cornell University

Minow firmly rejects the prevailing conception of the self that she believes underlies legal doctrine a self seen as either separate and autonomous, or else disabled and incompetent in some way.

Cornell University

Therefore, the prevailing conception of value of the traditional approaches needs to be revised (e.g. Normann and Ramírez 1993).

Journal of Organization Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We are particularly interested in work that complicates prevailing conceptions of race, gender, sexuality, poetic form, and narrative voice.

University of California, Berkeley

The prevailing conceptions of constitutions ordinarily characterize them as rigid and long-enduring, if not permanent, documents.

University of California, Berkeley

The disagreement among liberals over whether government should promote individual freedom rather than merely protect it is reflected to some extent in the different prevailing conceptions of liberalism in the United States and Europe since the late 20th century.

Britannica

Arabs, along with Italians, Jews and others, were forced to litigate their identities in line with prevailing conceptions of whiteness — which fluctuated according to geographic origin, physical appearance and religion.

The Washington Post

Despite prevailing conceptions, said Lisa Kersavage, the senior director for preservation and sustainability at the society, many historic buildings actually already incorporate energy-efficient design features — a legacy of having been built before the advent of cheap energy and modern mechanical systems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing conception" when you want to emphasize that an idea is not just common, but currently dominant or widely accepted within a particular field or context.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing conception" when a simpler term like "common belief" or "dominant idea" would suffice. Ensure the context clarifies why this conception is particularly significant or influential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing conception" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a widely accepted or dominant idea, belief, or understanding. As Ludwig AI underlines, the term suggests an idea that is currently in vogue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing conception" is a noun phrase denoting a dominant or widely accepted idea. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts, indicating a formal register. Alternatives include "dominant view" or "accepted wisdom". When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants its emphasis on dominance and avoid overuse where simpler terms suffice. The contexts in which the term is used are varied such as science, ideology and history and a vast range of sources are available to consult as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant view

Focuses on the dominance aspect of the idea, highlighting its widespread acceptance.

established idea

Focuses on the idea being firmly rooted and recognized.

conventional belief

Emphasizes the traditional or established nature of the belief.

popular belief

Highlights the broad appeal and acceptance of the idea.

widespread notion

Indicates the idea is prevalent and extensively held.

common understanding

Replaces "prevailing conception" with a more general term for shared knowledge.

general consensus

Highlights the agreement among a group of people regarding the idea.

mainstream thought

Suggests the idea is part of the central current of thinking.

accepted wisdom

Implies the idea is not only widely accepted but also regarded as inherently correct.

current paradigm

Emphasizes that the conception is currently the standard framework or model.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing conception" in a sentence?

You can use "prevailing conception" to describe a widely accepted idea or belief. For example: "The "prevailing conception" of beauty has evolved over time."

What's the difference between "prevailing conception" and "common belief"?

"Prevailing conception" suggests a more dominant or influential idea than a simple "common belief". While both are widely held, the former implies a greater degree of acceptance or authority within a specific context.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "prevailing conception"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "dominant view", "accepted wisdom", or "general consensus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prevailing conception" formal or informal language?

"Prevailing conception" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferred in informal settings.