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 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

Since its inception, this groundbreaking festival has celebrated music and community—from creating a space for fans to connect, to uplifting local small businesses and shining a light on important causes. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2024

In sum, 24 of her songs have led the Latin pop ranking, the most for any woman since the chart’s inception in 1994, where Enrique Iglesias continues to rule with 25 No. 1s. —Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2024

Since its inception on Mother’s Day in 2019, xHood has grown into a vibrant and supportive community, offering resources, events, and a sense of belonging to Black LGBTQ+ parents across the globe. —Larada Lee, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024

Since its inception in 2022, Plant-Based Advocates has hosted cooking classes and speaker events in conjunction with the Los Gatos Library in addition to regular tabling and outreach to the community. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024

That's something that's always been intrinsic to Baltimore's history, going back to our inception. —Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 28 Mar. 2024

Filled with references to notable dolls and doll accessories from decades past, Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s Ken wore bespoke ensembles dating back to brand’s 1959 inception. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 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