Incipient
/ɪnˈsɪpiənt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Incipient means at the very early stage of something. It shows that a process, condition, or idea has started but is still small or not fully developed. You can use it to talk about things like feelings, problems, or changes that are just beginning.
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See It in Action
Beginning to exist or appear
- •The incipient signs of spring can be seen in the small green leaves.
- •The doctor noticed incipient symptoms of the illness before the patient felt very sick.
- •There was an incipient problem in the machine that needed fixing quickly.
Just starting to develop or grow
- •The company is in its incipient stage and still figuring out its main products.
- •Incipient ideas for the new project were shared at the meeting.
- •The incipient conflict between the two groups was carefully watched by the leaders.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "incipient" like "beginning" (A1 word), but more formal and used for things that are just starting to grow or appear
- ✓Picture a small seed just sprouting from the ground—it is there, but not yet a full plant
- ✓It feels like the first signs of a cold before you feel very sick or the first light of morning before the sun rises fully
- ✓Sounds like "in-SIP-ee-unt" → Imagine sipping a tiny bit of tea at the start of a big tea party, just the start of something bigger
- ✓Imagine the first moments in a movie where the story is just starting to unfold, not yet clear or complete
- ✓NOT like "full" or "complete" — incipient means only the start, not finished or strong yet
- ✓NOT like "obvious" — incipient things may be hard to see or notice because they are just beginning
- ✓NOT like "finished" or "mature" — incipient is about early development, not final form
Try Other Words
- •Emerging: starting to appear or become known (Use when something is becoming visible or known but still new)
- •Developing: growing or changing over time (Use when focusing on growth or progress)
- •Early: at the first part of a process or time (Use in simple, general contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (in, on, or at) + root "cip" from Latin "capere" meaning "to take" + suffix "-ient" (forming adjectives meaning "having the quality of")
- •Etymology: From Latin "incipiens," present participle of "incipere" meaning "to begin"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe things that are beginning or starting
- •Modern usage: Often used in formal or scientific language to describe early stages of processes, conditions, or ideas
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you noticed an incipient change in your life or environment? How did you react?
•How can recognizing incipient problems early help prevent bigger issues later?
Fill in the blanks
1.The incipient stages of a fire are often ___ to see but very important to control quickly.
2.When feelings are incipient, they are just ___ to develop and may not be strong yet.
3.Unlike a clear problem, an incipient problem is ___ and may need careful observation.
4.Scientists study incipient diseases to understand how they ___ before becoming serious.
5.The company’s incipient success shows it is ___ but still needs more work.
6.Incipient changes in weather can ___ sudden storms if not noticed.
7.When a conflict is incipient, leaders try to ___ it before it grows bigger.