Main Entry: in·cho·a·tive

Pronunciation: \in-ˈkō-ə-tiv\

Function: adjective

Date: circa 1631

1 : initial, formative <the inchoative stages>
2 : denoting the beginning of an action, state, or occurrence —used of verbs

— inchoative noun

— in·cho·a·tive·ly adverb