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

The revered business is one of only two tenants that have remained at the South Charlotte retail center since its inception, the other being Harris Teeter. —Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024

The litigation provides a portrait of some of the chaos that has bedeviled Trump Media since its inception. —David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024

Manages large scale programs and projects for the Division from inception to final completion. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024

Lail Vineyards and Seavey Vineyard have been Melka clients since the company’s inception in 1995, and the current roster includes notables such as Dana Estates, Roy Estate, Raymond Vineyards, Skipstone Wine, Gamble Family Vineyards, Lithology, and Vice Versa. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2024

Since its inception, Archwood has hosted over 100 events, helped launch dozens of new businesses, and created over 20 local jobs. —The Arizona Republic, 14 Apr. 2024

With the inception of spring comes unpredictable weather, and for the next few months, the weather will inevitably get wet and gross. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Since its inception, the program has provided immigrants hope of receiving lawful permanent residency in the form of a Green Card. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Since its inception, solar power has rapidly evolved. —Tyler Shepherd, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 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