inchoately
gb/ɪŋkˈoʊtli/ us/ɪŋkˈoʊtli/
C2
English
kezdetlegesen, csírájában, várományként
C2
FORMAL
1
csírájában
C1
Usage pattern:
[something] is inchoately [verb/adj]
The plan existed only inchoately, as a few notes on a whiteboard.
A terv még csak csírájában létezett: néhány jegyzet volt egy fehértáblán.
At first he could describe the problem only inchoately, without a clear structure.
Eleinte csak kezdetlegesen, világos szerkezet nélkül tudta leírni a problémát.
The movement began inchoately, then gained focus as new leaders emerged.
Learner examples
The idea was inchoately formed.
Az ötlet még csak kezdetlegesen formálódott.
She explained her thoughts inchoately at first.
Eleinte csak kezdetlegesen fejtette ki a gondolatait.
Common mistake:
Often confused with “incoherently”; “inchoately” means not fully developed, not necessarily illogical.
Meaning
in an early, undeveloped way
Collocations
inchoately formed
|inchoately expressed
|inchoately conceived
|inchoately defined
|inchoately organized
|inchoately articulated
|inchoately emerging
|inchoately developed
Synonyms
incipiently (Emphasizes that something is just beginning.)
|
rudimentarily (Emphasizes a very basic, early form.)
|
partly (More general and less formal.)
Antonyms
fully (Complete rather than only beginning.)
|
maturely (Developed rather than rudimentary.)
|
clearly (Well-defined rather than only vaguely formed.)
Themes
development
|ideas
|language
|writing
Definition
In a way that is still developing and not clear or complete yet.
In a way that is only partly formed or developed; in a beginning or rudimentary state.
C2
LEGAL
2
várományként
C2
Usage pattern:
[a right/interest] exists inchoately (until [event])
Until the final decree, the claim existed only inchoately and could not be enforced.
A végleges határozatig a követelés csak várományként állt fenn, és nem lehetett érvényesíteni.
The spouse’s interest arose inchoately at marriage but did not become vested until later.
A házastárs érdeke a házasságkötéssel várományként keletkezett, de csak később vált teljes joggá.
The court treated the entitlement as inchoately created, subject to statutory conditions.
Common mistake:
Outside legal contexts, “inchoate” usually just means “not fully developed,” not “illegal” or “wrong.”
Meaning
in an unfinished legal state
Collocations
inchoately vested
|inchoately held
|inchoately acquired
|inchoately existing
|inchoately created
Synonyms
potentially (Stresses possibility, not necessarily legal status.)
|
provisionally (Stresses that it depends on later confirmation.)
Antonyms
vested (Fully established as a legal right.)
|
perfected (Completed and legally finalized.)
Themes
law
Definition
In law: in a way that has started but is not complete yet.
In a way that is legally recognized as begun or existing in potential, but not yet completed or fully enforceable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inchoately
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈoʊtli/
US/ɪŋkˈoʊtli/
Syllables & stress
in - cho - ately (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cho)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: inchoately
- Plural: inchoatelies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.