initiate
B2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To cause something to begin; to start a process or action.
To formally admit someone into a group or organization, often with a special ceremony; to introduce someone to a new activity or knowledge.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Initiate" often implies a deliberate, planned start, especially of something complex, official, or significant. As a noun, it refers to a person who has been newly admitted to a group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun meaning 'a new member', 'initiate' is more common in British English. In US English, 'newbie', 'novice', or 'rookie' might be more frequent in informal contexts.
Connotations
In both, the verb carries a formal or procedural connotation. The noun can sometimes carry a slightly archaic or secret society feel.
Frequency
The verb form is equally frequent in both variants. The noun form sees slightly higher frequency in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
initiate somethinginitiate somebody into somethinginitiate that... (formal, as in 'He initiated that the rules be changed')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; it is often part of formal phrases rather than idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To start a formal procedure, e.g., 'The board will initiate a strategic review next quarter.'
Academic
To begin a research study or introduce a theory, e.g., 'The team initiated a longitudinal study on cognitive development.'
Everyday
Less common; 'start' or 'begin' is preferred. Can be used for formal events, e.g., 'They initiated the new members into the club.'
Technical
Common in legal, medical, and scientific contexts to describe starting a process, e.g., 'The enzyme initiates the reaction.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will initiate a public consultation on the housing plan.
- He was initiated into the ancient order during a secret ceremony.
American English
- The company initiated a recall of the affected vehicles.
- She initiated him into the mysteries of the local folklore.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Initiatory' exists but is rare.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Initiatory' exists but is rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will initiate the game now.
- The government plans to initiate a new educational programme next year.
- He felt nervous before being initiated into the club.
- The committee voted to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the member.
- Scientists are trying to initiate a controlled fusion reaction.
- The diplomat's role was to initiate back-channel negotiations between the warring factions.
- As an initiate of the society, she was sworn to secrecy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INITIAL' – your initials are at the START of your name. To INITIATE is to put the initial step in place.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS A DOORWAY / GATEWAY ('initiate someone into a secret society'). STARTING IS A SPARK ('initiate a reaction').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'initial' (начальный). Avoid direct translation of 'initiate a person' as 'инициировать человека'. Use 'посвящать' for the 'admit into a group' sense. For processes, 'запускать', 'начинать', 'инициировать' (formal) are acceptable.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'initiate' for very simple, informal starts (e.g., 'I initiated eating my lunch'). Confusing noun and verb pronunciation (they are the same). Overusing in place of simpler 'start' or 'begin'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'initiate' CORRECTLY in its noun form?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered more formal than 'start' or 'begin'. It is common in official, legal, technical, and academic contexts.
'Begin' and 'start' are general and neutral. 'Initiate' implies a deliberate, often formal or procedural beginning of something complex or significant.
Yes, a noun 'initiate' exists, meaning a person who has been newly admitted to a group, often a secretive or exclusive one (e.g., 'a temple initiate'). This usage is less common than the verb.
Both the verb and noun are pronounced the same: /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪt/. The stress is on the second syllable: in-NI-shi-ate.