'preconceive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeconcipere,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'concipere' meant 'to take in or conceive.'

'praeconcipere' transformed into the French word 'préconcevoir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preconceive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to conceive or form an idea beforehand,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.