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Initialled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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initialled

[ɪˈnɪʃəld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

signature process

The term 'initialled' refers to the act of marking a document with one's initials as an indication of approval or acknowledgment. This practice is commonly used in legal and formal contexts to signify that a person has reviewed and agreed to the contents of a document. Initialling can serve as a shorthand signature, providing a quick way to authorize multiple pages or sections of a legal contract. It is often seen in contracts, agreements, and other official documents. It can also imply a level of commitment or endorsement from the person initialling.

Synonyms

approved, endorsed, signed.

Examples of usage

  • She initialled each page of the contract.
  • Please ensure that you initialled the amendments.
  • The manager initialled the report before submission.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Significance

  • In contracts, initialling each page protects against alterations after signing.
  • Initials can sometimes be used in place of a full signature in informal agreements, but this varies by context.
  • Certain jurisdictions allow initials as valid symbols of consent, reinforcing their use in official papers.

Cultural Aspects

  • In some cultures, initialling is a sign of trust and personal endorsement, reflecting a relationship between parties.
  • Different regions may have cultural norms regarding the use of initials in formal documents, influencing how they are perceived.
  • The art of calligraphy often emphasizes stylized initials, making them a decorative focal point in artistic documents.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people often feel a stronger commitment to agreements that they have initialled as it creates a sense of ownership.
  • The act of initialling can enhance feelings of accountability, reinforcing the importance of personal agreement in shared decisions.
  • Using initials may also simplify interactions, allowing parties to recognize agreements quickly without needing full names.

Pop Culture

  • Initials often appear in celebrity branding, with individuals using their initials as logos or brand identities.
  • In movies and literature, characters sometimes initial important documents to signify their roles or agreements within a plot.
  • Popular songs and poems have referenced the idea of initials as a personal signature, symbolizing intimacy and connection.

Origin of 'initialled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from 'initial', which comes from the Latin 'initialis', meaning 'of the beginning'.
  • The term has been used in English since at least the 16th century, showing its long-standing importance in writing and signatures.
  • In legal documents, initialling is common to indicate agreement to each page, emphasizing the document's seriousness.

The word 'initialled' comes from the noun 'initial', derived from the Latin word 'initialis', which means 'belonging to the beginning'. The modern usage of 'initial' to mean the first letters of a person's name began in the early 20th century. In contexts of documentation, initialling provides a practical method for individuals to verify sections of contracts without needing to sign in full, thus streamlining various administrative processes. The use of initials as a form of signature has gained popularity in both legal and informal settings, marking a quick confirmation of agreement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,436 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.