Standard Lemma guide

high-concept

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌhaɪˈkɒnsɛpt/
  • General-American: /ˌhaɪˈkɑnˌsɛpt/
  • General-American: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Of a work such as a book, film, or television programme: based on an appealing and easily communicable idea; also, of or relating to such a work.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, sometimes

Topics: broadcasting, film, literature, media, publishing, television

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: low-concept

2

adj

Meaning 2

Based on an idea or theme, especially one regarded as highly artistic or intellectual.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: proscribed, sometimes

Examples

  • I’m not too sure about that new molecular gastronomy restaurant. It seems too high-concept and snooty for me.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

PIE word *ḱóm From high (adjective) + concept (noun).

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: korkeakonseptinen — of a work: based on an appealing and easily communicable idea; of or relating to such a work
  • Finnish: hienostunut — based on an idea or theme, especially one regarded as highly artistic or intellectual