kənˈsiːt ˈvæ.nɪ.ti the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride an artistic device or effect the architect's brilliant conceit was to build the house around the tree a witty or ingenious turn of phrase he could always come up with some inspired off-the-wall conceit an elaborate poetic image or a far-fetched comparison of very dissimilar things feelings of excessive pride