Dictionary.com

initiate

[ verb ih-nish-ee-eyt; adjective, noun ih-nish-ee-it, -eyt ]
/ verb ɪˈnɪʃ iˌeɪt; adjective, noun ɪˈnɪʃ i ɪt, -ˌeɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: initiate / initiated / initiates / initiating on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), in·i·ti·at·ed, in·i·ti·at·ing.
adjective
noun
a person who has been initiated.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of initiate

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin initiātus, past participle of initiāre “to ritually initiate, admit,” equivalent to initi(um) “beginning” + -ātus past participle suffix; see initial,-ate1

synonym study for initiate

1. See begin.

OTHER WORDS FROM initiate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to initiate

begin, commence, inaugurate, institute, launch, open, set up, take up, trigger, introduce, admit, enter, induct, install, intro, invest, originate, pioneer, brief, coach

How to use initiate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for initiate

initiate
verb (ɪˈnɪʃɪˌeɪt) (tr)
to begin or originate
to accept (new members) into an organization such as a club, through often secret ceremonies
to teach fundamentals toshe initiated him into the ballet
adjective (ɪˈnɪʃɪɪt, -ˌeɪt)
initiated; begun
noun (ɪˈnɪʃɪɪt, -ˌeɪt)
a person who has been initiated, esp recently
a beginner; novice

Word Origin for initiate

C17: from Latin initiāre (vb), from initium; see initial
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK