Definition & Meaning of "conceptual meaning"

What is "conceptual meaning"?

Conceptual meaning refers to the core or basic meaning of a word or phrase, which includes the ideas and concepts that it directly represents. This meaning is more objective and is usually what a dictionary would provide. For example, the conceptual meaning of the word "dog" includes the idea of a domesticated animal that is often kept as a pet. Understanding conceptual meaning is important for grasping the fundamental ideas behind language, as it lays the foundation for how words and phrases are used in communication.