inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

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

Synonyms

• beginning
• commencement
• start
• onset
• launch
• alpha

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

Celebrating its 26th year, the Newport Beach Film Festival is continuing the legacy of highlighting upcoming voices and industry veterans as one of the defining film festivals in Southern California since its inception in 1999. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025

The inception of these new materials came when Robson, a professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, was teaching students in 1974 about molecular structures by turning wooden balls into models of atoms. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

The French press has come a long way since its inception in the 1800s and this sleek stainless-steel piece is a testament that coffee accessories can be très chic. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025

Since the franchise’s inception, the Brewers have only reached the LCS stage on three occasions. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 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

Rhymes for inception

• conception
• deception
• exception
• perception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

Kids Definition

inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən 

: an act or instance of beginning