Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Serving to begin or introduce something; initial; introductory: Describes an action, event, or object that marks the start of a process, series, or membership.
   • Relating to or involving initiation into a group, knowledge, or experience: Pertains to rites, ceremonies, or processes that admit someone into a new state, society, or body of knowledge.

Usage and Examples

• As an introductory or first step:

  • The signing of the agreement was an initiatory act that paved the way for further cooperation.
  • The initiatory phase of the project involves extensive research and planning.

• Relating to rites of initiation:

  • The tribe's initiatory ceremonies for young warriors are both secret and sacred.
  • He underwent the initiatory rituals required to join the ancient order.

Advanced Usage

• "Initiatory rites/rituals": The formal ceremonies or procedures that mark admission into a group, society, or new stage of life.

  • The fraternity's initiatory rites are a closely guarded tradition.

• "Initiatory experience": A first experience that introduces someone to a new field, feeling, or state.

  • Her first solo flight was a profound initiatory experience into the life of a pilot.

Variants and Related Words

• Initiate (verb): To cause or facilitate the beginning of something; to admit someone into a group with formal rites.

  • The company will initiate a new training program next month.

• Initiation (noun): The action of beginning something; the formal process of being admitted into a group.

  • The initiation of peace talks was a welcome development.

• Initiative (noun): The ability to assess and begin things independently; the first step or action.

  • She showed great initiative by solving the problem on her own.

Synonyms

• Introductory: Serving as an introduction.
• Inaugural: Marking the beginning of an institution, activity, or period.
• Preliminary: Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.
• Inceptive: Beginning; initial.

Antonyms

• Concluding: Bringing something to an end.
• Final: Coming at the end; last.
• Terminal: Forming or situated at the end or extremity of something.

Adjective

1. serving to set in motion
   • the magazine's inaugural issue
   • the initiative phase in the negotiations
   • an initiatory step toward a treaty
   • his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
   • the liner's maiden voyage