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

Since its inception, social media has thrived on context-free nostalgia.

From Slate

Wasps had been based at various homes in London from the club's inception up to 2002, when they moved to groundshare with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.

From BBC

Trump has praised the lucrative LIV tour, and five of its tournaments have been been held at his courses since its inception in June 2022.

From BBC

A recent study estimated that a federal program to help pay for childhood immunizations against diseases such as measles, polio and rotavirus has prevented more than 1 million deaths and 32 million hospitalizations since its inception in 1994.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has praised the lucrative LIV tour for its "unlimited money", and five of its tournaments have been been held at his courses since its inception in June 2022.

From BBC

Related Words

• initiation
• outset