Onset

The onset is the beginning or start of something, often something unwelcome like an illness or a negative event. It signifies the point in time when something commences, marking the initial stage of a process, situation, or condition. It can refer to the development of an event or phenomenon, indicating the point at which it first becomes apparent or takes hold. It's characterized by the commencement of something new. It could be used to represent the start of a disease, a change or a new stage.

Onset meaning with examples

• The sudden onset of the storm caught the sailors by surprise, leading to a chaotic scramble to secure the ship and its cargo. They had very little time to get ready, but luckily, most of the crew were experienced and knew exactly what to do.
• Doctors are studying the early onset of Alzheimer's disease to find more effective treatments, hoping to slow its progression. The early symptoms are subtle and it is therefore difficult to get the right treatment early on.
• The onset of the economic downturn was marked by a sharp decline in consumer spending and a surge in unemployment rates, creating widespread concern. Businesses and families struggled to keep afloat.
• After weeks of feeling unwell, the onset of a high fever confirmed her doctor's suspicion, and she was diagnosed with the flu. They wanted to identify if it was the flu before it was too late.
• The play opens with the onset of spring, using the season's symbolism of rebirth to reflect the characters' own journeys and transformations, showing how they have changed over time.