inchoate
To begin or startTo begin or start (something).
» This definition is inchoate, and thus it must be interpreted.
Meaning
3 senses(transitive)To begin or start (something).
(transitive)To cause or bring about. In the field of criminology, to encourage, assist, conspire, aid and abet, incite, etc.
(intransitive)To make a start.
Examples
4 sentencesThis definition is inchoate, and thus it must be interpreted.
The definition is inchoate, and thus it must be interpreted.
An attempt to commit a crime is considered an inchoate offense that can itself be punished.
My life is a mess of numerous inchoate pursuits which I continuously delude myself into thinking I will complete.
Origin
The adjective is first attested in 1534, the verb circa 1631; borrowed from Latin incohātuThe adjective is first attested in 1534, the verb circa 1631; borrowed from Latin incohātus (“begun, unfinished”), perfect passive participle of incohō (“to begin”), see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3). Cognate with Spanish incoar (“to initiate, commence, begin”).
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Forms
inchoates, inchoating, inchoated, inchoatedWord family
2 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle