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

In former times, when the English rule was in its inceptive stage, when external pageant—the outcome of vanity—was not much thought of, when the simple taste of the people was not tainted by luxury and corruption, an unnatural craving for titles exerted but a very feeble influence on the minds of the great.

From Project Gutenberg

"One is at once impressed," admits Psychologist Seashore, "with the appalling task which this inceptive science has assumed for itself, and how undeveloped the work is within this field."

From Time Magazine Archive

The gathering nebula of an inceptive star.

From Time Magazine Archive

Particularly in the playing of Miss Johns one seems to see the gathering nebula of an inceptive star.

From Time Magazine Archive

Therefore, by exhaustion, the commentator finally adopts, for the atha of the sútra, the remaining meaning of "the inceptive now."

From Project Gutenberg