nascent
Say it: NAY-sunt /ˈneɪsənt/ · adjective
What “nascent” means
Just starting to exist or grow.
More precisely: Just beginning to exist or develop.
Example: “The city's nascent tech scene is attracting young founders.”
When to use it
In formal descriptions of ideas, organisations or movements, when something is at the earliest stage of development.
Memory trick
Picture a seed's first tiny shoot emerging through the soil.
Similar words
emerging, budding, developing
Where it comes from
From Latin nasci, "to be born."
Quick check
A neighbourhood gardening club has just formed, with its first members and first meeting still ahead. The club is…
nascent or established?
Show the answer
nascent
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