What does initiate mean?
Initiate is a formal verb meaning to begin something, usually a planned process, discussion, investigation, or piece of business: the organization initiated an inquiry into the problem. It can also mean to admit someone into a group or activity, often after instruction, a period of training, or a ceremonial rite. The common general sense is 'cause to begin' and is often more formal than 'start' or 'begin'; it suggests deliberate organization rather than an accidental occurrence. A related sense involves introducing someone to a new field or skill by giving them the initial instruction they need. The word's forms include initiation, the process of beginning or being admitted, and initiator, the person or organization that starts an action. Together, these senses make initiate useful for describing formal beginnings and entry into unfamiliar or exclusive communities.
To cause something to begin, especially a planned process, activity, discussion, or proceeding.
"The department initiated a review of the policy."
Formal; commonly used in institutional, legal, diplomatic, and business contexts.
To admit someone into a group, society, or activity, often after a formal ceremony or period of instruction.
"The club initiated new members at its annual gathering."
Often used in the expression 'initiate someone into' a group or activity.
A person who has been admitted to a group or initiated into an activity or mystery.
"The initiates were led to a private part of the building."
This is a relatively formal and literary use, especially for members of an exclusive or secret society.
Initiated or admitted into a group; having undergone initiation.
"The initiate members shared the society's traditions."
Chiefly literary and much less common than the verb.
To initiate something is to set it in motion, but to be initiated is to be admitted into its inner circle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does initiate come from?
Initiate comes from Latin initiatus, the past participle of initiare, meaning 'to begin' or 'to initiate.' That verb developed from the Latin noun initium, meaning 'beginning' or 'origin,' which is related to initus, an obsolete past participle of ire, 'to go.' The English verb originally meant to begin or commence and later acquired the sense of admitting someone into a society or undertaking. Its cognates and relatives include initial, initiative, and inception.
Related word forms
How initiate is actually used
The word is formal and often implies an organized or deliberate beginning. In general contexts, 'start' and 'begin' are more neutral; 'initiate' is especially common in formal and institutional language. The sense of admitting someone to a group is traditional and often ceremonial.
Easily confused with initiate
An initial is a letter placed at the beginning of a name or word, while to initiate something is to begin it or formally admit someone into a group.