verb

inaugurate

ih-NAWG-yuu-rayt

verb

To formally install someone into an official position with a ceremony.

"The senator will be inaugurated as governor next month."

To officially open a building or start something new with a formal ceremony.

"The city inaugurated its new subway line with a ribbon-cutting event."

How to Use Inaugurate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially start or launch something with ceremony — a person into office, or a project or building into use.

Common pairings

inaugurate a president inaugurate a building newly inaugurated

Word Forms

inaugurated past tense, inaugurate plural, inaugurated plural, inaugurates singular, inaugurate singular, inaugurated singular, inauguratest singular, inauguratedst singular, inaugurateth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The senator will be _____ as governor next month.

Etymology

From Latin inaugurō, originally meaning to take omens from the flight of birds before installing someone in office — from in- plus augurō, "to act as an augur."

Rhymes for inaugurate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

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