General usage:
* "The artist conceived of a new way to use light and shadow in her paintings." (Meaning: She came up with the idea)
* "He conceived of a plan to escape the prison." (Meaning: He came up with a plan)
* "The doctor conceived of a new treatment for the disease." (Meaning: The doctor developed an idea for a treatment)
With a specific meaning:
* "She conceived a child after many years of trying." (Meaning: She became pregnant)
* "The writer conceived of a story about a talking dog." (Meaning: The writer came up with the idea for a story)
Figurative usage:
* "It's hard to conceive of a world without technology." (Meaning: It's hard to imagine)
* "I can't conceive of why he would do such a thing." (Meaning: I can't understand)
Remember that "conceive" can be used as a verb in both the past tense (conceived) and the present tense (conceives).