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I came across a word a while ago which I had to look that had the definition along the lines of "in its early stages but important / powerful / poignant" and I can't for the life of me remember what it was...
Anyone any ideas, it's driving me a bit mad! :D
The words that come to my mind are nascent and infancy.
nascent (adjective)
definition: just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.
Usage:
The nascent stages of Andy's career proved to be challenging, yet he came out with flying colors
infancy (noun)
definition: the early stage in the development or growth of something
Usage:
The well established company has nurtured "Speak Up" culture right from its infancy.
I wanted to post this as a comment but I don't have enough reputation to do that. So posting it as as answer.
Edit: : Edited answer, added definition and usage to be in line with the answer style guidelines of this community
It may have been 'seminal'
Seminal - adjective
4 - highly original and influencing the development of future events: a seminal artist; seminal ideas.
www.dictionary.com
Or perhaps it was 'groundbreaking'
Groundbreaking - adjective
3 - originating or pioneering a new endeavor, field of inquiry, or the like: Pasteur's groundbreaking work in bacteriology.
www.dictionary.com
Incipient- something is in an early stage of existence. "In its incipient form, basketball was played with a soccer ball and peach baskets for goals. Bouncy orange balls and nets came later."
