Initiator: meaning, definitions and examples

🚀

Add to dictionary

initiator

[ɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

technology

A person or group that initiates something, especially a new project or a change.

Synonyms

founder, instigator, originator, pioneer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
initiator	This word is often used to describe someone who starts a particular process or activity, especially a formal or organized one. It can be both positive and neutral. He was the initiator of the company’s new recycling program
originator	This term is used to describe someone who creates or starts something new, often an idea or a product. It has a neutral to positive connotation. She is the originator of the new marketing strategy
instigator	This word often carries a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who provokes or incites an action, usually causing trouble or conflict. The instigator of the fight was eventually identified and punished
founder	This term is primarily used to describe someone who establishes an organization, company, or institution. It's typically positive and denotes a significant amount of effort and legacy. Steve Jobs is one of the founders of Apple Inc
pioneer	This word is used to describe someone who is among the first to explore or settle a new area, or someone who leads the way in new developments, especially in fields like technology or science. It carries a positive and often heroic connotation. Marie Curie was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity

Examples of usage

The initiator of the new marketing campaign was very successful in attracting customers.
She was the main initiator behind the company's decision to go green.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

chemistry

A substance that begins a chemical reaction.

Synonyms

catalyst, starter, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
initiator	Used to describe a person or entity that begins a process or action. She was the initiator of the community project He acted as the initiator of the new policy reforms
catalyst	Refers to something or someone that speeds up or facilitates a process, often used in scientific or business contexts. The new CEO was the catalyst for the company's turnaround The enzyme acted as a catalyst in the chemical reaction
starter	Often used in more casual or physical contexts to describe something that begins an event or process. The starter pistol signaled the beginning of the race He was the starter of the discussion
trigger	Typically refers to something that causes an immediate reaction or sets off a sequence of events. Can have a negative connotation if causing something undesirable. The news report was the trigger for the stock market crash His comment triggered a heated debate

Examples of usage

The initiator is added to the mixture to kickstart the polymerization process.
The initiator plays a crucial role in determining the speed of the reaction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word derives from the Latin term 'initiare', meaning 'to begin' or 'to start'.
Related words include 'initiation', which refers to the process of beginning, and 'initial', which describes the first stage.

Psychology

In group dynamics, initiators play a crucial role in fostering communication and pushing forward group tasks.
Research shows that individuals who take on the role of initiator can significantly influence the motivation and productivity of a team.

Business

In corporate settings, an initiator is often the person who proposes new projects, thus driving innovation.
Successful entrepreneurs frequently take on the role of initiators, turning creative ideas into profitable businesses.

Education

Teachers who act as initiators encourage student-led discussions, promoting critical thinking and collaboration.
In educational psychology, initiators are often seen as leaders who help shape a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

Culture

Many cultural movements have initiators — individuals whose ideas spark change in society, like Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement.
In the arts, many famous works were the result of an initiator's vision, influencing entire genres and styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "initiator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iniciador

🇮🇳 प्रारंभकर्ता

🇩🇪 Initiator

🇮🇩 penginisiasi

🇺🇦 ініціатор

🇵🇱 inicjator

🇯🇵 イニシエーター

🇫🇷 initiateur

🇪🇸 iniciador

🇹🇷 başlatıcı

🇰🇷 시작자

🇸🇦 مبادر

🇨🇿 iniciátor

🇸🇰 iniciátor

🇨🇳 发起者

🇸🇮 pobudnik

🇮🇸 hvatamaður

🇰🇿 бастамашы

🇬🇪 ინიციატორი

🇦🇿 təşəbbüskar

🇲🇽 iniciador

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,336, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19333 entourage
19334 alighted
19335 philology
19336 initiator
19337 sheltering
19338 postponing
19339 overworked
...