Etymology
The word "conceit" derives from the Latin word "conceptus," meaning "conception" or "idea."
Meaning
Conceit refers to an elaborate or intricate expression of imagination or thought, often characterized by its complexity, cleverness, or unexpectedness. It is often used in literature, poetry, and art to create a striking effect.
Origin
The concept of conceit originated in Renaissance literature, particularly in the works of Italian and English poets such as Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374) and John Donne (1572-1631). These poets employed conceits as a means of expressing profound emotions or ideas through intricate and surprising metaphors and similes.
Extended Meaning
Over time, the meaning of conceit has expanded beyond its literary context. It can also refer to:
Example
One of the most famous examples of conceit is John Donne's poem "The Sun Rising," in which he compares the sun to his lover:
Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
Why dost thou thus through windows peep?
And give me this unwonted sleep?
In this conceit, Donne personifies the sun as a jealous lover who is trying to prevent him from sleeping with his beloved.
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