What does inaugurate mean?
Inaugurate means to begin something in a formal or official way, especially a public event, institution, or period, or to install someone formally into an office. Its best-known use is political: a newly elected president is inaugurated in a ceremony that marks the formal start of the term. It can also describe officially opening a public building or launching an enterprise, though these uses often carry a ceremonial or institutional tone. The verb conveys more solemnity than ordinary “begin,” suggesting an official beginning marked by a ceremony, announcement, or act of introduction. Inaugurate is common in British and American English and is often paired with expressions such as “inaugurate a new era,” “inaugurate a new academic year,” and “be inaugurated as president.” Because of its formal character, it suits civic, political, academic, and institutional contexts more readily than casual description. Its unusual history adds to its appeal: the word comes through Latin from augur, a soothsayer who interpreted omens, linking the modern ceremony to ancient Roman traditions of divine approval.
verbTo begin something formally or officially, especially a public event, institution, or new period. It can also mean to introduce someone formally into office or to open a building or facility with a ceremonial event.
- To begin or launch something formally, especially a public event, institution, or new period.
- To introduce someone formally into office or install them in an official role.
- To open or put into formal use a building, facility, or system.
"The ceremony will inaugurate the museum's new wing and mark a turning point in its history."
"The incoming mayor will be inaugurated at the town hall on Friday morning."
"The university inaugurated its new environmental research center with a public ceremony."
Its Latin ancestor combines in- (“in” or “into”) with augur, a reader of omens, so modern inaugurations echo an ancient Roman practice of seeking divine approval before beginning in earnest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inaugurate come from?
The word comes from Latin inaugurare, meaning “to install or begin formally,” formed from in- and augur, a soothsayer or interpreter of omens. In Roman usage, inaugurating an official or sacred place was associated with taking the auspices, signs indicating divine approval. English later adopted the word for formal installations and ceremonial beginnings, preserving its connection with official authorization and public ceremony.
Related word forms
How inaugurate is actually used
The word is formal and often ceremonial. It is especially common in political, civic, academic, and institutional contexts and generally suggests more gravity and publicity than the ordinary verb “begin.”
Easily confused with inaugurate
Initiate can mean to begin or start something in a general sense, whereas inaugurate usually emphasizes an official, formal, or ceremonial beginning.