Initiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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initiate

 

[ษชหˆnษชสƒษชหŒeษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

formal

To cause something to begin or start.

Synonyms

commence, inaugurate, start.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
initiate

Commonly used in everyday speech to indicate the beginning of an event, task, or process.

  • Let's start the meeting now.
  • We should start preparing for the exam.
commence

Generally used in formal or written contexts to indicate the start of something.

  • The meeting will commence at 9 AM sharp.
  • Construction on the new bridge is set to commence next month.
start

Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the beginning of an event or activity.

  • When did you start working here?
  • She decided to start a new hobby.
inaugurate

Typically used to describe the formal beginning of a significant event, period, or institution.

  • The president will inaugurate the new museum next week.
  • The company plans to inaugurate its new headquarters this Friday.

Examples of usage

  • He initiated a discussion on the new project.
  • She initiated the process of change within the organization.
Context #2 | Verb

ritual

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

Synonyms

enroll, induct, install.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
initiate

This word is commonly used to describe the beginning of a process or an action. It is often used in formal or technical contexts when explaining the start of a project, program, or series of actions.

  • The company decided to initiate a new marketing campaign to boost sales.
  • He was responsible for initiating the negotiations with the new supplier.
induct

Induct is often used when someone is formally introduced or accepted into a position, organization, or office, especially through a ceremony. It carries a formal and sometimes solemn connotation.

  • The new members were inducted into the honor society in a special ceremony.
  • She was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to sports.
install

Install is usually used in reference to putting a piece of equipment, software, or furniture in place and making it ready for use. It is technical and practical in nature.

  • The technician will install the new software on your computer this afternoon.
  • They decided to install a new heating system before winter starts.
enroll

Enroll is used when someone signs up or registers for a program, class, or membership. This word is commonly seen in educational or institutional contexts.

  • She decided to enroll in a cooking class to improve her skills.
  • Students must enroll in the course before the deadline.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'initiare', which means 'to begin'.
  • In the 17th century, the term evolved to describe starting rituals or ceremonies.
  • It was originally used in contexts related to education or the beginning of formal processes.

Literature

  • In many stories, a hero often goes through an initiation phase before embarking on their adventure, learning important lessons.
  • Classic novels frequently depict characters initiating change through their actions, affecting the lives of others.
  • The initiation theme represents personal growth and transformation, marking pivotal moments in plots.

Psychology

  • Initiation can be linked to motivation; starting new tasks is often a major hurdle in personal development.
  • Researchers have shown that taking the first step toward a goal can significantly increase the likelihood of success.
  • Social initiatives often rely on individuals who can inspire others to start projects, demonstrating leadership.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, initiation scenes (like hazing) are dramatic and showcase the trials characters face to become part of a group.
  • Popular video games often include initiation quests where players must undertake specific challenges to unlock abilities or levels.
  • Reality shows frequently feature initiation events where contestants must prove themselves to enter a group or team.

Education

  • Initiation into new educational programs often involves orientation sessions to help students adapt.
  • Extracurricular activities frequently have initiation practices designed to build unity among members.
  • The education system emphasizes the importance of initiating projects that encourage student engagement and creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "initiate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น iniciar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคฐเค‚เคญ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช einleiten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memulai

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะฝั–ั†ั–ัŽะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zainicjowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้–‹ๅง‹ใ™ใ‚‹ (kaishi suru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท initier

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ iniciar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baลŸlatmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œ์ž‘ํ•˜๋‹ค (sijak hada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุดุฑูˆุน ููŠ (alshuru` fi)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zahรกjit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ iniciovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฏๅŠจ (qวdรฒng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ iniciirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hefja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฌแƒงแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baลŸlamaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ iniciar

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,601 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.