What is the difference between incipient, nascent, onset?
The three words have the same fundamental meaning, but there are some distinctions between them.
Please note that "incipient" and "nascent" are adjectives, whereas "onset" is a noun.
"Incipient" is defined as:
In an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop. [Lexico]
Therefore, "incipient" should be used to describe things that are "immature" or "emerging."
"Nascent" is defined as:
(especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. [Lexico]
Therefore, "nascent" should be used to describe things that are "budding" or "embryonic."
"Onset" is defined as:
The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant. [Lexico]
Therefore, "onset" is synonymous with "rise" or "inception," but it has a negative connotation.
Overall, these are the key details I would associate with each word:
- Incipient - new and initially undeveloped
- Nascent - new, but showing potential; "budding"
- Onset - beginning, but usually foreboding