Meaning & Definition of word "Incipient"

Incipient

/ɪnˈsɪp.i.ənt/

adjective:

  • 1. In an initial stage; beginning to develop.
    • Example: The incipient stages of the project showed promise but required further investment.
  • 2. Just beginning or emerging.
    • Example: They observed the incipient signs of spring as the first flowers began to bloom.
  • 3. Starting to come into being.
    • Example: The incipient technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry.

Etymology

From Latin 'incipiens', the present participle of 'incipere' meaning 'to begin'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

incipient stage:

The preliminary phase where something is just starting.

incipient problem:

A problem that is just beginning to arise.

Related Words

nascent:

Just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.

emergent:

In the process of coming into being or becoming apparent.

Slang Meanings of incipient