Inchoate
Word of the Day
What is Inchoate?
adjective
Just begun and not fully formed; rudimentary.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to honor beginnings that need patience and craft.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
An inchoate melody drifted through rehearsal.
The startup had an inchoate culture.
Prosecutors charged an inchoate offense.
Word Origins
Latin inchoatus “begun,” from inchoare “to start work”
Often used in law for crimes begun but not completed.
First appearance in English: late 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Adjective:
Incipient cracks appeared in the wall.
-
Adjective:
Rudimentary tools sufficed.
-
Adjective:
A nascent movement gathered steam.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: incipiente
- French: inchoatif / naissant
- German: unausgereift / anfänglich
- Italian: incipiente
- Portuguese: incipiente
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Nascent
Positive, growing; inchoate stresses lack of form.
Embryonic
Suggests early potential; slightly biological metaphor.
Amorphous
Shapeless; inchoate is early-stage rather than shapeless per se.
Fun Facts
- Older etymologies linked the root to “to yoke,” now considered folk etymology.
- Pronunciation varies; most stress the second syllable.
Cultural Usage
- Inchoate offenses include attempt and conspiracy.
- Critics discuss inchoate drafts and voices finding form.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes misread as “incoherent”; related in feel but distinct.
Micro Story
Their inchoate plan needed timelines and scope.