Initiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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initiate

[ ɪˈnɪʃɪˌeɪt ]

^{Context #1}

formal

To cause something to begin or start.

Synonyms

commence, inaugurate, start

Examples of usage

He initiated a discussion on the new project.
She initiated the process of change within the organization.

^{Context #2}

ritual

To admit someone into a group or organization through a formal ceremony.

Synonyms

enroll, induct, install

Examples of usage

They initiated him into the secret society.
The new members were initiated with a special ceremony.

Translations

Translations of the word "initiate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iniciar

🇮🇳 आरंभ करना

🇩🇪 einleiten

🇮🇩 memulai

🇺🇦 ініціювати

🇵🇱 zainicjować

🇯🇵 開始する (kaishi suru)

🇫🇷 initier

🇪🇸 iniciar

🇹🇷 başlatmak

🇰🇷 시작하다 (sijak hada)

🇸🇦 الشروع في (alshuru` fi)

🇨🇿 zahájit

🇸🇰 iniciovať

🇨🇳 启动 (qǐdòng)

🇸🇮 iniciirati

🇮🇸 hefja

🇰🇿 бастау

🇬🇪 დაწყება

🇦🇿 başlamaq

🇲🇽 iniciar

Word origin

The word 'initiate' comes from the Latin word 'initiare', which means 'to begin'. The concept of initiation has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with rituals and ceremonies marking the beginning of a new phase or status. In modern usage, 'initiate' is commonly used to describe the act of starting or commencing something, as well as the formal induction into a group or organization.