Initiated
ɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause something to begin; to set in motion.
ɪˈnɪʃieɪt
To cause a process or action to begin.
The CEO initiated a company-wide restructuring.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're starting a game. Initiating is like hitting the 'Start' button – it gets things going! Like when you *initiated* a group project at school.
👶 For kids: To start something. Like when you start a game!
More Examples
The rebels initiated a siege against the capital.
The scientists initiated a new research project.
How It's Used
"The company initiated a new marketing campaign."
"The government initiated peace talks."
"The system initiated the update automatically."
To admit a person into a group, organization, or a new experience or state; often through a formal procedure.
ɪˈnɪʃieɪt
To admit someone into a group or organization, often with a formal ceremony.
New members are initiated into the fraternity each year.
💡 Simply: Think of it as joining a club or secret society. You're *initiated* when you're officially welcomed in, maybe with a special ceremony or test.
👶 For kids: To be accepted into a group of people, or get to do something new.
More Examples
She was initiated into the mysteries of the ancient order.
The recruits were initiated into the army through basic training.
How It's Used
"He was initiated into the secret society."
"The young monk was initiated into the order."
From Latin 'initiare' meaning 'to begin'. It entered English in the 16th century, initially with religious connotations, before expanding to general actions and processes of beginning something.
The word 'initiate' has been used since the 16th century. Originally, it was closely related to religious ceremonies and the introduction to sacred knowledge.
Memory tip
Think of the first step: IN-IT-iate, like the beginning.
Word Origin
"to begin, to initiate"