inceptive

[ in-sep-tiv ]

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.”

noun

, Grammar.

1. the inceptive aspect.
2. a verb in this aspect.

inceptive

/ ɪnˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. beginning; incipient; initial
2. Also calledinchoative grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the beginning of an action

noun

1. grammar
   1. the inceptive aspect of verbs
   2. a verb in this aspect

Derived Forms

• inˈceptively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·ceptive·ly adverb
• unin·ceptive adjective
• unin·ceptive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inceptive¹

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

Example Sentences

Design an upward and onward continuous carved border for wood and base it upon a vertical inceptive axis.

From Project Gutenberg

In the foregoing examples the designs are more or less rigidly balanced over the inceptive axis or axis of symmetry.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only necessary to have this inceptive axis pass through the enrichment zone of the panel.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure 206 shows a design varied from formal balance over a central axis of symmetry or an inceptive axis.

From Project Gutenberg

Note how the center line of both units in Figures 225 and 226 coincides with the inceptive axis of the structure.

From Project Gutenberg