In this article, we will explore more about these different ideas and concepts. Idea and concept are similar words that are often used interchangeably. For example, a concept is defined by Merriam-Webster as “an abstract or generic idea that is generalized from a particular event”.
Other sources simply define a concept as an idea. However, strictly speaking, an idea is a rough mental construction while a concept is a principle that is further refined through a series of analyses.
What is an Idea?
The idea comes from the Greek word “idein” which means “to see”; Obviously, ideas are synonymous with words: point of view, mental image, and view. These are our thoughts on how we feel in various situations. An idea is a gross mental construction that may or may not be spontaneous. Often the result of group discussion or individual reflection. For example, a group of students are brainstorming about an upcoming school event and their ideas about decorations, food catering, programs, and motifs are drawn out.
An idea is also defined as a belief or opinion. For example, based on past experience and the records of others, we have an idea of who is most likely the best political candidate. In addition, ideas are also defined as impressions.
What is a Concept?
The concept comes from the Latin word “conceptus” which means “to receive” because it is an idea that is taken into mind. One definition is “general idea”; for example, a concept map shows the main idea and its corresponding sub-ideas. It is also often associated with theoretical sciences such as Einstein’s concept of relativity. For example, in the research paper, the theoretical and conceptual framework of the study is discussed.
Relevantly, it also refers to the rationale behind the proposal with particular emphasis on its merits. In advertising, it is defined as a clear idea of how a marketing campaign is to be systematized. In this view, it is generally seen as a brilliant idea that helps publicize a service or commodity.
Difference between Idea and Concept
Here are some of the differences in ideas and concepts seen from various directions and points of view:
Definition: A concept is generally more tightly defined than an idea. For example, a design concept highlights product usage, details, and target customer needs. In comparison, ideas are often blurred with a lack of focus on specific procedures and related details.
Shape & condition: Compared to a concept, an idea is more often of a rougher form because it is usually an idea of what something is or what might be done. On the other hand, concepts have a better form because they generally have gone through a review process or a series of analyses.
Business: In the context of entrepreneurship, a concept usually refers to a business plan that leads to a venture. As for having a business idea, he argues that it is not yet a profitable, actionable concrete plan.
General: Compared to ideas, concepts have more to do with being general or having a macroscopic view. For example, some sources define it as an “abstract or general idea”. Also, in the concept map, the main concepts and sub-ideas are illustrated.
Theory: Concepts are the building blocks of theory. A concept leads to a proposition that develops into a theory. On the other hand, theory is a system of ideas that aims to explain a phenomenon or explain a situation.
Stages in Planning: Usually, during the planning stage, a number of ideas are initially pushed and pulled out. After the various perspectives are generated, the next phase is “ideas screening” which has a more pessimistic view because it eliminates the less competitive viewpoints. This leads to having the best ideas. This can then be followed by “concept development” which advances the most relevant ideas into more rigorous concepts.
Academic / Technical: Ideas are generally considered less academic or less technical than concepts. For example, concepts are more likely to be related to scholastic terms such as growth mindset, grit, models, cause and effect as well as entrepreneurial ones such as product concepts and marketing concepts.
Spontaneity: ideas are more spontaneous than concepts. There are times when ideas seem to appear suddenly like when we have a flash of insight. Instead, concepts are thought out for a specific time and terms, procedures, and other details go through a process.
Etymology: The idea comes from the Greek word “idein” which means “to see” while the concept comes from the Latin word “conceptus” which means “to receive”.
- Idea and concept are similar words that are often used interchangeably.
- An idea is a gross mental construction that may or may not be spontaneous.
- Concepts are more refined than ideas.
- A concept in business is something that leads to an entrepreneurial venture, while a business idea is an idea with a less specific plan of action.
- Ideas are more general whereas concepts are more specific.
- Concepts are more closely related to theory than to ideas.
- Concepts are defined more closely than ideas.
- ideas are more often generated in the early stages while concepts are in the last part.
- Compared to ideas, concepts are more related to academic and technical terms.
- ideas emerge more spontaneously than concepts.
- The etymology of the idea comes from the Greek word, “idein” which means to see while the concept comes from the Latin word “conceptus” which means “to receive”.
