If there is one resplendent with the fragrance of life, then it is nascent. This words points to the start, the origin, the conception of everything. And its origin is deeply linked with its meaning.
Nascent is derived from the Latin Root ‘nasc-,nat-’, meaning ‘born or birth’. The very root of the word points to its meaning. There are some very interesting words based on this root are:
- Natal: Relating to or accompanying birth.
- Prenatal: Occurring or existing before birth.
- Neonatal: Concerning the first 28 days after the birth of a child or pertaining to a new born. This word is the combination of natal and neo (which means new).
Another word that we use incessantly and is second nature to us comes from this source. The word is nature itself. Nature is a derivative from the Latin word natura, meaning “essential qualities or innate disposition”. This word is further a derivative of our root under study ‘nat-’. Originally, natura referred to the intrinsic characteristics of plants, animals, and other features of the world. These were the features one was born with or existed right at the start. Hence, the word nature comes with a reference to these qualities. In modern times, the word nature is a variety of ways. One of those uses refers to the natural characteristics of a person. The other refers to the characteristics of this world and the features of this world minus the human beings.
The dictionary definitions for NASCENT are as follows:
1. Beginning to exist or develop. (adjective)
Masters Tip to remember NASCENT:
The best way to learn this word is to co-relate it with new things in life. For example, the flower bud which is the nascent stage of development for a flower. Any new idea that is yet to be executed and is still coming to terms with its existence is a nascent one.
Usage Examples for NASCENT:
1. In the nascent stages of one’s youth, one is bound to commit a few silly mistakes.
2. Any idea in its nascent stage needs time for development.
3. Nascent thoughts can be quite potent at times, for they are free from the burden of deep thinking.
Picture Courtesy:Prashant Chadha (https://www.facebook.com/prashantchadha)
Used with prior permission.
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