inception

[in-sep-shuhn]

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

/ ɪnˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the beginning, as of a project or undertaking

Word History and Origins

Origin of inception¹

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

Example Sentences

If you invested in the Aristocrats index at inception just over 20 years ago, and checked three years ago, you would have made 402%, and beaten the S&P 500 by 80 points.

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Undoubtedly an elite unit, but where does Arsenal's back four rank when considering the best we've seen in the Premier League era since its inception in 1992?

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At its inception, Sky said Halo's aim was "to build a welcoming community for female fans, whether casual or committed, through fun, trend-led, and relatable content".

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Since its 2022 inception, Inside Safe has moved more than 5,000 people into interim housing, according to a Times report.

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There is an acceptance internally at United of an unquantifiable lag time between inception of new processes and their outcome.

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Related Words

• initiation 
• outset