incipient
adjective
In an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop. Describes something at the very start of its existence or growth.
Etymology
From Latin "incipiens," present participle of "incipere" (to begin), from "in" (into) + "capere" (to take). Literally "taking into," suggesting starting.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The doctor detected incipient signs of the disease."
- 2.
"There were incipient stirrings of political reform."
- 3.
"She nurtured the incipient talent she saw in her students."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Medicine values early detection of incipient conditions. Many diseases are most treatable at the incipient stage, making regular screening valuable despite the challenge of identifying subtle early signs.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (I, N, C, I, P, I, E, N, T)
Scrabble Value: 13 points
Tip: Words ending in "NT" are often good scoring opportunities.
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