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.

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inception British  

/ ɪnˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the beginning, as of a project or undertaking

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Etymology

Origin of inception

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

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

While the design of the Oscar has stayed largely unchanged since the award’s inception, the materials used to make the trophies have evolved over time.

From Los Angeles Times

Since its inception, Stay Housed L.A. has opened about 26,000 cases overall, providing full representation for 6,150 cases and working on nearly 20,000 “limited scope” cases, according to data from Legal Aid.

From Los Angeles Times

Ackman said an investor who put money into the first core fund at inception in 2004 would have outperformed the investment by 27 times, versus nine times for the S&P 500.

From MarketWatch

Legal Aid, which has participated in the program since its inception in 2021, will have to stop accepting new clients if the contract does not pass on Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• initiation
• outset