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, the French luxury fashion house has been intrinsically linked to the world of cinema. —Rachel Marlowe, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024

Within a year of its inception in 2011, Syria’s revolution devolved into a civil war, and the country’s territory has since been divided among an assortment of armed groups. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024

Unlike Gaudi’s behemoth in Spain, the Chicago Temple was intended to be mixed-use from its inception. —Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 8 Dec. 2024

Fun factoid: Rudolph came close to starting out as Reginald, Rollo, Romeo, or Rodney – four of the names first considered for Santa’s red-nosed helper by Robert Lewis May, who was deciding at the inception for what to call him. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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