nascent (2009-10-18)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: ['ney-sênt]

Definition: Coming into existence or having recently come into existence.

Usage: When friends and family undergo change, this word is useful: "Lana's nascent cynicism about relationships came as a surprise to friends and marked the end of her 1.5-kids-and-a-minivan idealism." You might employ today's word to talk about situations that have just come to light, as well: "A nascent toadyism is developing around our new manager, but he's not playing favorites yet."

Suggested Usage: Today's word allows us to speak of a point in time when an object or idea is just being formed or has just been formed, but has not been fully realized. Thus, the noun, "nascency" (or simply "nascence"), can refer to a time of great hope or a missed opportunity.

Etymology: Today's word comes directly from Latin nascens, nascent-, present participle of nascor "to be born." This verb comes from PIE *gnê-sko-, a suffixed form of the zero-grade of *gen-/*gon- "to give birth, beget," which underlies a small world of words on reproduction: "progeny, generation, gene, genealogy, pregnant" from Latin, not to mention native English "kin" and German Kind "child" found in "kindergarten." "Nascor" itself also underlies "native," "nation," and "nature." (For more PIE, see our FAQ sheet or read "How is a Hippo like a Feather" in the library.)