The phrase "earliest conception" refers to the very beginning or earliest idea of something. It represents the initial thoughts or imagination that come to mind when thinking about a particular concept or idea. Full definition
In this session, you will learn about the theory of multiple intelligences and how it differs from earlier conceptions of human abilities. (gse.harvard.edu)
-- a paper valuably demonstrating that the modern concept of the Anthropocene, focused on disrupted Earth systems, is very different from earlier conceptions, some dating to the 1800s, of a human - shaped environment. (dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com)
These underpaintings — which reference the very early conception of the American dream, the idea of manifest destiny, and the beginnings of American exceptionalism — are then overlaid with disparate forms and areas of color. (sfaq.us)