What does "incipient" mean?

The term "incipient" refers to something that is in the initial stages of development or only beginning to exist. It suggests that a condition or process is just starting and may not be fully formed or developed yet. This is why the choice that defines "incipient" as "only partly in existence" is the correct answer.

The other options describe states of being that do not align with the meaning of "incipient." For example, "fully developed" indicates a stage of completion, which contradicts the initial stage implied by "incipient." "Rapidly declining" suggests deterioration, and "in a state of chaos" conveys disorder or confusion, neither of which relates to something that is beginning to form or emerge. Therefore, the choice that captures the essence of "incipient" in terms of its developmental stage is the one that correctly reflects its meaning.