verb
Common
initiate
ih-NIHSH-ee-ayt
Initiate (verb) means to start something, especially a formal process. Example: “The company initiated an investigation into the complaint.”
verb
1
To start something, especially a formal process.
"The company initiated an investigation into the complaint."
"Talks were initiated between the two governments last week."
"The council will initiate a review of the town's bus routes next month."
2
To formally introduce someone into a group, often through a ritual or ceremony.
"New members are initiated into the fraternity during a private ceremony."
"In the story, the elders initiate young hunters with a night-long ceremony."
"The club will initiate its newest members at the annual dinner."
noun
1
Someone who has just been admitted into a group, or who is well-versed in a particular subject.
"As an initiate, she was still learning the group's traditions."
"Only a true initiate would understand the reference."
How to use initiate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo kick something off officially, or to formally bring someone into a group.
Common mistake
As a verb it's stressed "in-ISH-ee-ate"; as a noun/adjective it's often pronounced with a shorter ending, "in-ISH-ee-it" — the spelling doesn't change but the sound does.
Common pairings
initiate proceedings
initiate talks
initiate a member
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Word forms
- Plural
- initiates
- Third person singular
- initiates
- Past tense
- initiated
- Comparative
- more initiate
- Superlative
- most initiate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company _____ an investigation into the complaint.
Etymology
From Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, "to begin or induct," from initium, "a beginning."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for initiate
See all rhymes for initiate →Frequently asked questions
What does “initiate” mean?
The word “initiate” means to start something, especially a formal process. In plain terms, to kick something off officially, or to formally bring someone into a group.
How do you pronounce “initiate”?
“Initiate” is pronounced ih-NIHSH-ee-ayt (/ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “initiate” in a sentence?
Here is “initiate” used in a sentence: “The company initiated an investigation into the complaint.”
What is the opposite of “initiate”?
The opposite of “initiate” — its antonyms — are pause, halt, suspend, discontinue and finish.
What part of speech is “initiate”?
Depending on how it is used, “initiate” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “initiate” come from?
The word “initiate” comes from Latin. From Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, "to begin or induct," from initium, "a beginning.".
Is “initiate” a common word?
“Initiate” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “initiate” have?
“Initiate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to start something, especially a formal process.
What is the difference between initiate and begin?
Initiate usually applies to formal processes, procedures, or negotiations that someone deliberately sets in motion, while begin is more general and can describe starting anything, formal or casual. "Initiate proceedings" sounds official, whereas "begin reading" does not carry that same weight.
What does it mean to initiate someone into a group?
To initiate someone into a group means to formally introduce them as a new member, often through a ritual or ceremony. This sense of initiate is common with clubs, fraternities, and secret societies.
What is an initiate as a noun?
An initiate is a person who has just been admitted into a group, or someone who is already well-versed in a particular subject. The word can describe either a newcomer undergoing induction or an insider with specialized knowledge.
Is initiate a formal word?
Yes, initiate is typically used in formal or procedural contexts, such as business, law, or ceremony, rather than everyday casual speech.
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