inceptive

American  

[in-sep-tiv] / ɪnˈsɛp tɪv /

adjective

1. beginning; initial.

   Synonyms:

   nascent, embryonic, inchoative

2. Grammar. (of a derived verb, or of an aspect in verb inflection) expressing the beginning of the action indicated by the underlying verb, as Latin verbs in -scō, which generally have inceptive force, as calēscō “become or begin to be hot” from caleō “be hot.”

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noun

Grammar.

1. the inceptive aspect.

2. a verb in this aspect.

inceptive British  

/ ɪnˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. beginning; incipient; initial

2. Also called: inchoative.  grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the beginning of an action

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noun

1. grammar

   1. the inceptive aspect of verbs

   2. a verb in this aspect

Other Word Forms

• inceptively
  adverb
• uninceptive
  adjective
• uninceptively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of inceptive

From the Late Latin word inceptīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See incept, -ive

Example Sentences

What is sometimes called the Inceptive future, is expressed thus, "I am going to write;" "I am about to write."

From English Grammar in Familiar Lectures by Kirkham, Samuel