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

Arguably Formula 1’s most iconic race, the Principality has host a race each year since the world championship’s inception in 1950, save for 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. —Dan Cancian, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The early years of each Silicon Valley platform shift — the inception of the personal computer era, the internet age, or the smartphone boom — have always featured a brief explosion of creativity before the ground cools. —Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025

Since its inception, the Center has expanded and will soon move its South Portland branch to a much larger space in nearby Westbrook. —Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025

Since the program’s inception, 260 individuals have benefited from the Escuela Johanna Oritz, which includes different courses. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025

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