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Inchoate: meaning, definitions and examples

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inchoate

 

[ ɪnˈkoʊt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal, developmental

Inchoate refers to something that is just begun or not fully formed or developed. It implies that the matter in question is in a preliminary stage and may still evolve. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe actions or intentions that have not been fully realized or completed. Inchoate offenses, for example, are crimes that were initiated but not carried out to completion.

Synonyms

embryonic, initial, nascent, undeveloped, unfinished

Examples of usage

  • The inchoate project lacked a clear direction.
  • He faced charges for an inchoate offense.
  • Her inchoate ideas needed further development.

Translations

Translations of the word "inchoate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incompleto

🇮🇳 अपूर्ण

🇩🇪 unvollständig

🇮🇩 belum lengkap

🇺🇦 недостатній

🇵🇱 niedokończony

🇯🇵 未完成の

🇫🇷 inachevé

🇪🇸 incompleto

🇹🇷 tamamlanmamış

🇰🇷 미완의

🇸🇦 غير مكتمل

🇨🇿 nedokončený

🇸🇰 nedokončený

🇨🇳 未完成的

🇸🇮 nedokončan

🇮🇸 ófullkominn

🇰🇿 түгел емес

🇬🇪 არასრულფასოვანი

🇦🇿 tam olmayan

🇲🇽 incompleto

Etymology

The word 'inchoate' originates from the Latin term 'inchoatus,' which means 'to begin.' The roots can be traced further back to the verb 'inchoare,' composed of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'on' and 'choare,' which means 'to make or commence.' The term was incorporated into the English language in the late 15th century. It initially appeared in discussions about law and the arts, reflecting its connection to the early stages of development. Since then, 'inchoate' has broadened its usage, often emphasizing the notion of incompleteness or the initial phases of any process or idea.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,704, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.