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Onset: meaning, definitions and examples

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onset

 

[ ˈɒnˌsɛt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics

The beginning or initial stage of something.

Synonyms

beginning, commencement, start

Examples of usage

  • The onset of winter brought heavy snowfall.
  • The onset of the disease was sudden and severe, catching everyone by surprise.
Context #2 | Noun

medicine

The first appearance of symptoms indicating the onset of an illness.

Synonyms

beginning, commencement, start

Examples of usage

  • The onset of the flu is usually marked by a high fever and body aches.
  • She experienced the onset of migraines at a young age.
Context #3 | Verb

medicine

To begin suddenly or abruptly, especially in reference to symptoms of an illness.

Synonyms

begin, commence, start

Examples of usage

  • The symptoms onset within a few hours of exposure to the virus.
  • The disease can onset at any age.

Translations

Translations of the word "onset" in other languages:

🇵🇹 início

🇮🇳 प्रारंभ

🇩🇪 Beginn

🇮🇩 awal

🇺🇦 початок

🇵🇱 początek

🇯🇵 開始 (かいし)

🇫🇷 début

🇪🇸 comienzo

🇹🇷 başlangıç

🇰🇷 시작

🇸🇦 بداية

🇨🇿 začátek

🇸🇰 začiatok

🇨🇳 开始 (kāishǐ)

🇸🇮 začetek

🇮🇸 byrjun

🇰🇿 басталу

🇬🇪 დასაწყისი

🇦🇿 başlanğıc

🇲🇽 comienzo

Etymology

The word 'onset' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'ansettan' meaning 'to set on.' It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The term has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to the beginning or initial stage of something, both in linguistics and medicine.

See also: beset, offset, preset, reset, set, setback, setlist, settability, settee, setting, settings, settling, setup, subset, unset.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,009 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.