Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

inception

American  
[in-sep-shuhn] / ɪnˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

  1. beginning; start; commencement.

    Synonyms:
    conception, root, source, outset, origin

  2. British.

    1. the act of graduating or earning a university degree, usually a master's or doctor's degree, especially at Cambridge University.

    2. the graduation ceremony; commencement.

  3. (in science fiction) the act of instilling an idea into someone's mind by entering their dreams.

inception British  
/ ɪnˈsɛpʃən /

noun

  1. the beginning, as of a project or undertaking

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inception

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English incepcion, from Latin inceptiōn- (stem of inceptiō ), equivalent to incept(us) “begun” ( see incept) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

The inception is the beginning. Since its inception, Wikipedia has been created by its users. Inception sounds like conception, but their meanings are distinct. Conception usually refers to the moment of becoming pregnant. Inception refers more to the beginning, to entering upon an undertaking. Inception implies the start of a specific thing like a campaign or a company. Subsequent events take place after the inception. At the moment of conception, most women are at the inception of motherhood.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing inception

"The Hill We Climb," by Amanda Gorman

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

I'm New Here...

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Mahatma Gandhi's "Quit India" Speech

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since the SOXX’s inception in July 2001, there have been four winning streaks of double-digit days, with the last two occurring in line with the bull market that ran from late 2015 to early 2018.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Looking at its weekly chart dating back to its inception in early January 2024 shows how the candles were influential in determining near-term highs and lows.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

On Wednesday, SHM said that since its inception, it has aimed to make high-value-added mobility products that combine the technologies and expertise of Sony and Honda.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The 18-year-old is among an elite group of women breaking into motorsport, which has been dominated since its inception by two institutional powers - men and money.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Propeller research, for example, had been one of Langley’s most important lines of inquiry from its inception through the lead-up to the war.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.