inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement

Synonyms

• alpha
• baseline
• beginning
• birth
• commencement
• dawn
• day one
• genesis
• get-go
• git-go
• incipience
• incipiency
• kickoff
• launch
• morning
• nascence
• nascency
• onset
• outset
• start
• threshold

Choose the Right Synonym for inception

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of inception in a Sentence

The project has been shrouded in controversy from its inception.

Since its inception, the business has expanded to become a national retail chain.

We'll assist you at every stage from inception to completion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since its inception in 2012, VICI has evolved from a digital-first brand into a fashion powerhouse rooted in strong customer engagement. —Brin Snelling, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Since its inception in 2012, more than 24,000 volunteers have participated in 1,900 Compassion Week projects and activities at nearly 90 organizations on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2024

Two distinct trading phases Going all the way back to the stock's inception, the price action has been defined by two distinctly different phases: Long bouts of volatile trading ranges (3) and substantial breakouts (2). —Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 13 Sep. 2024

Attempts to repair and improve the agency’s infrastructure are stifled by a rule requiring a lengthy and labor-intensive review process for all requests over $1 million, a figure that has not changed since the rule’s inception despite a 30% increase in costs from inflation. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incepcion, from Latin inception-, inceptio, from incipere to begin, from in- + capere to take

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act or instance of beginning