key concept

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   The most important idea in a subject, text, or theory, which everything else depends on.

   Grammar: Countable: you can talk about a key concept, several key concepts, or the key concepts of a course.

   Patterns

   • a key concept in something
   • the key concept behind something
   • understand a key concept
   • explain a key concept

   The teacher wrote the key concept of the chapter on the board.

   Supply and demand is a key concept in economics.

   Before you read the article, make sure you understand its key concepts.

Word forms

Common combinations

a key concept in economics

Opportunity cost is a key concept in economics.

understand a key concept

The quiz checks whether you understand the key concept, not just the details.

explain a key concept

Please explain the key concept in your own words.

the key concepts of a course

The first lecture introduces the key concepts of the course.

Synonyms and how they differ

main idea

Main idea is more common in reading lessons and usually refers to the central point of a single text.

core concept

Core concept is very close, but it suggests an idea at the very center of a theory, slightly more technical than key concept.

principle

Principle often means a basic rule or law that explains how something works, while a key concept can be any central idea, including an abstract one.

Opposites

Word family

concept noun

A general idea or thought about something.

conceptual adjective

Relating to ideas rather than physical things.

conception noun

The way someone understands or imagines an idea.

Commonly confused: key concept or concept?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “key concept”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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