nascent
Just beginning to develop or come into existence
Examples
In a meeting
“We're investing in this nascent technology before competitors catch on”
Over coffee
“Their relationship is still nascent, so I wouldn't call them a serious couple yet”
Why this word
new
Nascent emphasizes something just beginning to develop with potential ahead, while new only indicates recentness
early
Nascent suggests emergence and formation in progress, while early is a vague temporal marker
emerging
Nascent implies the very earliest stage of existence, while emerging suggests something already underway becoming more visible
Usage tip
Use to describe something in its very early stages; implies potential for growth and development
Etymology
Latin 'nascens' (present participle of nasci 'be born')
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Related words
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To encourage the development or growth of something
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Begin to develop or take initial form
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To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.