inception

noun

in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce inception (audio)
: an act, process, or instance of beginning : commencement
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, Rap Snacks has made more than $50 million in revenue, according to company representatives. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Since its inception, the entity has earned almost 1,600 patents with more than 1,450 reaching option or license deals with commercial companies. The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 Since its inception the Hyundai Kona has stuck to a basic formula and adds some driving fun with the N Line edition. Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 After winning in 2018, Porter created her own leadership political committee called Truth to Power PAC, which has raised a little more than $1 million since its inception. Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 111 individuals and 30 organizations since its inception. Brandon Busteed, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Synchron has raised about $145 million since its inception, the company said in a statement in December 2022. Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 The Fidelity fund has attracted net inflows of $4.48 billion since its inception. Isabelle Lee, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 Since its inception, Iora’s focus was serving lower-income and chronically ill older adults on Medicare. Caroline O'Donovan, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inception.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inception was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inception

Cite this Entry

“Inception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inception. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inception

noun
in·​cep·​tion in-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce inception (audio)
: an act or instance of beginning

More from Merriam-Webster on inception

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