Definition

1. Verb:

   • To cause something to begin; to start or introduce something new: This is the most common meaning, referring to the action of setting a process, event, or system into motion.
   • To formally admit someone into a group or society, often with a special ceremony or ritual: This meaning involves introducing a person into a new status, often involving secret knowledge or rites of passage.
   • To teach someone the basic principles or skills of a subject or activity: This involves introducing a novice to the fundamentals of a field.

2. Noun:

   • A person who has been formally admitted into a group or society, especially one with secret rites or specialized knowledge: This refers to someone who has undergone an initiation ceremony.
   • A person who is new to a field or activity; a beginner: This is a more general term for a novice or newcomer.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • The company will initiate a new research project next month.
  • The tribal elders initiate young men into adulthood through an ancient ceremony.
  • Her mentor initiated her into the complex theories of quantum physics.

• Noun:

  • As an initiate of the secret society, he was sworn to silence.
  • She was a quick learner, even for an initiate in the field of robotics.

Advanced Usage

• "To initiate proceedings": To formally start a legal or official process.

  • The lawyer advised them to initiate proceedings immediately.

• "To initiate contact": To be the first one to make communication or establish a connection.

  • The diplomat was tasked to initiate contact with the opposing faction.

• "Fully initiated": Having completed all the required rites or training to be a full member.

  • Only the fully initiated members are allowed in the inner chamber.

Variants and Related Words

• Initiation (n): The action of beginning something or the ceremony/process of admitting someone.

  • The initiation of peace talks was a welcome development.
  • The fraternity's initiation ritual is famously challenging.

• Initiative (n): The ability to assess and begin things independently; a new strategy or proposal.

  • She showed great initiative by solving the problem before being asked.
  • The government's new health initiative.

• Initiator (n): A person or thing that initiates something.

  • He was the initiator of the community recycling program.

Synonyms

• Verb: Begin, start, launch, inaugurate, introduce, pioneer, instigate.
• Noun: Novice, newcomer, beginner, neophyte, recruit, member.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Initiate" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "Initiate into the mysteries of": To teach someone the secret or specialized knowledge of a particular subject or group.
  • The old master initiated his apprentice into the mysteries of the ancient craft.

Noun

1. people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity
   • it is very familiar to the initiate
2. someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
3. someone new to a field or activity

Verb

1. set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
   • Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II
2. bring up a topic for discussion
3. accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
   • African men are initiated when they reach puberty
4. take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
   • This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants
5. bring into being
   • He initiated a new program
   • Start a foundation