initiate

in·i·ti·ate

Use initiate in a sentence

verb

The definition of initiate is to cause something to begin or to introduce someone to some subject, topic or group.

When you begin a discussion on solving a crisis, this is an example of a situation where you initiate a discussion.
When you introduce someone to the subject of photography, this is an example of a situation where you initiate them into the world of photography.

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"initiate." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate>.

APA Style

initiate. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate

initiate

transitive verb

-·at·ed, -·at·ing

to bring into practice or use; introduce by first doing or using; start: to initiate a new course of studies
to teach the fundamentals of some subject to; help to begin doing something: to initiate someone into the game of chess
to admit as a member into a fraternity, club, etc., as with customary practices or ceremonies

Origin of initiate

from Classical Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, to enter upon, initiate from initium: see initial

initiated
Archaic just begun

a person who has recently been, or is about to be, initiated

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"initiate." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate>.

APA Style

initiate. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate

initiate

transitive verb

in·i·ti·at·ed, in·i·ti·at·ing, in·i·ti·ates

To set going by taking the first step; begin: initiated trade with developing nations. See Synonyms at begin.
To introduce to a new field, interest, skill, or activity: initiated the students into the world of opera.
To admit (someone) into membership, as with a ritual or ceremony.

adjective

Initiated or admitted, as to membership or a position of authority.
Introduced to something new, such as a new field of knowledge.

noun

One who is being or has been initiated into an organization.
One who has been introduced to or has attained some knowledge in a particular field.

Origin of initiate

Latin initiāre initiāt- from initium beginning ; see ei- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

in·i′ti·a′tor
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"initiate." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate>.

APA Style

initiate. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/initiate

Noun

(plural initiates)

A new member of an organization.
One who has been through a ceremony of initiation.

Verb

(third-person singular simple present initiates, present participle initiating, simple past and past participle initiated)

To begin; to start.
To instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
To confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
(intransitive) To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.

Adjective

(comparative more initiate, superlative most initiate)

(obsolete) Unpractised; untried; new.
(obsolete) Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.

Origin

From Late Latin initiātus, perfect passive participle of initiō (“begin, originate”), from initium (“a beginning”), from ineō (“go in, enter upon, begin”), from in + eō (“go”).

English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.