en ciernes

es
en
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Translating...
in the making, emerging
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/en ˈsjernes/
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Only beginning to develop, with much still to take shape.

Examples

  • El proyecto aún está en ciernes.
    The project is still in its infancy.
  • Es una escritora en ciernes.
    She is a writer in the making.
  • Su idea estaba en ciernes cuando se conocieron.
    His idea was taking shape when they met.
  • La reforma sigue en ciernes.
    The reform is still in its infancy.
  • Vieron una crisis en ciernes.
    They saw an emerging crisis.

Similar words

embrionario
incipiente
en gestación

Meanings

In an early stage

development
literary
Beginning to form but still far from complete or mature.

Examples

  • El proyecto aún está en ciernes.
    The project is still in its infancy.
  • Es una escritora en ciernes.
    She is a writer in the making.
  • La reforma sigue en ciernes.
    The reform is still in its infancy.
  • Vieron una crisis en ciernes.
    They saw an emerging crisis.
  • Su idea estaba en ciernes cuando se conocieron.
    His idea was taking shape when they met.

Similar words

Etymology

Cierne names the flowering stage of certain crops; the phrase applies that early stage to people and plans.

FAQ

What does en ciernes mean?

At an early stage, with much development still ahead.

Can it describe a person?

Yes, as in a writer whose ability is developing.

Does it mean finished?

No. It stresses that something is only beginning.

What verbs go with it?

Estar is common, but it can also follow a noun.

What does cierne refer to?

An early flowering stage of certain plants.

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