Inchoate

/ɪnˈkoʊət/ adjective

Definition

Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary and in the early stages of formation.

Etymology

From Latin 'inchoatus,' meaning 'begun,' from 'inchoare' (to begin). Legal terminology adopted this word to describe crimes that are attempted but not completed.

Kelly Says

Think 'in chaos' - inchoate things are still chaotic because they're just beginning to take shape! Like a sculpture that's barely been chiseled from the stone.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.