Inauguration: meaning, definitions and examples

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inauguration

 

[ ɪˌnɔː.ɡjʊˈreɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

official ceremony

The act of formally inducting a person into a position of authority or office, especially the beginning of a president's term in office.

Synonyms

instatement, investiture, swearing-in.

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Word Description / Examples
inauguration

This word is typically used to describe the formal ceremony or event when someone is officially placed in a new position, especially a president or head of state. It often involves speeches, celebrations, and a large public event.

  • The inauguration of the new president will take place next week
  • The city held an inauguration ceremony for the new mayor
swearing-in

This word refers to the formal ceremony where an individual takes an official oath of office, typically involving placing a hand on a Bible or some other solemn ritual. It's often used for government officials and judges.

  • The judge's swearing-in ceremony will take place in the courthouse
  • During the swearing-in, the new council members took an oath to serve the community honestly
investiture

This is a formal ceremony where someone is given an official title or honor, often in a context such as royalty, knighthood, or other high honors. It is typically very ceremonious and traditional.

  • The investiture ceremony for the new knight will be held at the castle
  • She received her honors at an investiture attended by dignitaries
instatement

This word is somewhat less common and often used in more formal or written contexts. It implies the official placement of someone in a position, but without the grandeur often associated with 'inauguration' or 'installation.'

  • The instatement of the new manager was confirmed by the board
  • Following the instatement of the new judge, the court's procedures were revised

Examples of usage

  • The presidential inauguration was attended by thousands of people.
  • Joe Biden's inauguration as the 46th President of the United States was a historic event.
Context #2 | Noun

beginning

The beginning or introduction of something new or important.

Synonyms

commencement, launch, start.

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Word Description / Examples
inauguration

Typically used in formal settings, especially for events marking the beginning of something important, like a president starting their term or the opening of a significant building.

  • The inauguration of the new mayor was attended by thousands
  • The museum's inauguration was a grand celebration
commencement

Often used in academic settings, especially to mark the beginning of a new period in graduates' lives. It can also mean the start of something in a more formal or ceremonial context.

  • The commencement ceremony for the university's graduates will be held in the main hall
  • The commencement of the new era was celebrated with festivities
start

A general term used in everyday language to describe the beginning of any activity, event, or process. It is versatile and can apply to various situations.

  • They are planning to start the meeting at 10 AM
  • She decided it was time to start her own business
launch

Commonly used for products, projects, or initiatives, especially in business, technology, or media. It implies a planned and promoted start of something new.

  • The company is excited about the launch of its new smartphone
  • The book launch attracted a lot of media attention

Examples of usage

  • The inauguration of the new school year brought excitement to the students.
  • The inauguration of a new era in technology is upon us.

Translations

Translations of the word "inauguration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inauguração

🇮🇳 शपथ ग्रहण

🇩🇪 Einweihung

🇮🇩 pelantikan

🇺🇦 інавгурація

🇵🇱 inauguracja

🇯🇵 就任式

🇫🇷 inauguration

🇪🇸 inauguración

🇹🇷 açılış

🇰🇷 취임식

🇸🇦 افتتاح

🇨🇿 inaugurace

🇸🇰 inaugurácia

🇨🇳 就职典礼

🇸🇮 inauguracija

🇮🇸 vígsla

🇰🇿 инаугурация

🇬🇪 ინაუგურაცია

🇦🇿 inandırma

🇲🇽 inauguración

Etymology

The word 'inauguration' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'inauguratio', which means consecration or installment. It has been used in English to refer to the formal beginning or introduction of something significant or the induction of a person into office. Inaugurations have long been part of various cultures and societies to mark the start of a new chapter or era.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,842, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.