incipient

Everyday

1. (formal) Just beginning to happen or to show: an incipient cold, incipient baldness. tree →
2. In an early stage, before it is fully grown or obvious. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word in medicine, science and books: an incipient storm, crack or illness is one just starting. In everyday speech people say «starting», «early», «beginning». Phrases: incipient signs, an incipient crack, at an incipient stage.

Examples

• The doctor spotted an incipient infection and gave him medicine. tree →
• An incipient crack in the dam worried the engineers. tree →
• Grandad has incipient baldness, he jokes. tree →
• There were incipient signs of spring: tiny green buds. tree →
• The storm was still incipient, just a dark line of clouds. tree →
• The gardener caught the incipient disease before it spread to the other roses. tree →

Note

Formal. Pronounced in-SIP-ee-unt. Do not confuse with «insipid» (dull, tasteless).