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How to determine the difference between a concept or a term
How to determine the difference between a concept or a term

Here is a structured method suitable for terminology governance and database modelling.

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Written by Support Desk
Last updated Feb 24, 2026
To determine the difference between a concept and a term, apply a disciplined semantic test:
Ask whether you are dealing with meaning or with wording.
If it is meaning → it is a concept.If it is wording → it is a term.
Below is a structured method suitable for terminology governance and database modelling.

1. Core Distinction

ConceptAn abstract unit of knowledge defined by essential characteristics.
TermA linguistic designation used to represent a concept within a specific language and domain.
The relationship is:
concept ← designated by → term
A concept is language-independent.A term is language-dependent.

2. Operational Tests You Can Apply

Test 1 — Translation Test

If you translate the expression into another language:
  • Does the underlying meaning stay the same? → Concept
  • Does the wording change? → Term
Example:
  • English: contract
  • French: contrat
What stays constant: The legal idea (concept)
The wording changes (e.g., language); the concept remains.

Test 2 — Synonym Test

If multiple expressions refer to the same meaning:
  • Multiple labels → one concept
  • Each label → separate term
Example:
  • Term: lawyer
  • Concept: solicitor (AU context-specific jurisdiction)

Test 3 — Definition Test

If it can be defined by essential characteristics → ConceptIf it can only be spelled, pronounced, or classified grammatically → Term
Example:
  • “Offer” (defined in contract law) → concept
  • The string “offer” → term

Test 4 — Ambiguity Test

If one word can mean different things in different domains:
  • Same term
  • Different concepts
Example:
  • Term: consideration
  • Concept A: element of a contract
  • Concept B: careful thought
Same word, two concepts.

3. Ontological Difference

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4. Common Mistakes

People often define a term as though it were a concept.
Incorrect:
  • “A contract is an agreement enforceable by law.”
  • This defines the concept.
Correct modelling:
  • Concept: agreement enforceable by law
  • Term (EN): contract
  • Term (FR): contrat

5. Practical Heuristic

When creating a new entry, ask:
  1. Am I defining meaning? → create a concept.
  2. Am I recording wording? → create a term.
  3. Do multiple wordings share one meaning? → link multiple terms to one concept.
  4. Does one wording have multiple meanings? → create multiple concepts.

6. One-Sentence Precision Summary

A concept is what is meant.A term is how it is expressed.
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