Incipient
hardNeutral tonein-SIP-ee-unt
adjective
Definition
In an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop
Memory hook
IN-CIPI-ENT: just beginning to SEEP IN — in the earliest stage, just starting to appear.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The doctor detected incipient signs of the disease.”
“There were incipient stirrings of rebellion among the workers.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The doctor detected ______ signs of the disease.”
Show answer
incipient
Categories
GRE Tip
Incipient is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "nascent" or "embryonic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "mature".
Related GRE Words
nascent
Just beginning to develop; emerging
inchoate
Just begun; not fully formed or developed
embryonic
In an early stage of development; rudimentary
emergent
In the process of coming into being or becoming prominent
evolve
To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form
fledgling
A young bird just fledged; a person or organization that is new and inexperienced
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