inception

Inception refers to the beginning or earliest stage of something. The word derives from Latin incipere, meaning to begin. In common usage, inception denotes the starting point or origin of an institution, project, idea, or process. It is often contrasted with conception, which can refer to the formation of an idea, whereas inception marks the actual commencement or launch.

In project management and research, the inception phase or stage describes initial planning, requirements gathering, and feasibility assessment before development begins. Documents associated with inception may include a project charter, stakeholder analysis, scope statements, and risk assessments. The term is widely used across industries to indicate the moment when a venture officially starts or is formally authorized.

In popular culture, Inception refers to the 2010 science fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film centers on a professional thief who performs corporate espionage by entering dreams to steal or plant ideas. Its central conceit involves dreams within dreams and the ethical implications of subconscious influence. The cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, and Marion Cotillard. The film was produced with a budget around $160 million and grossed approximately $829 million worldwide. It received critical acclaim for its original concept, visual effects, and score, and won four Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects.