initiate
gb/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt/ us/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt/
B2
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
to start something
To make something start.
Usage pattern:
to initiate [process/project/action]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'initiate' in casual speech where 'start' would sound more natural.
Synonyms
start (More common and less formal than 'initiate'.)
|
launch (Often used for starting major projects or campaigns.)
Antonyms
halt (Refers to stopping something rather than starting it.)
|
terminate (Means to end something that is ongoing.)
Collocations
initiate a process
|initiate a conversation
|initiate change
|initiate action
Themes
business
|process
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company will initiate a new marketing campaign next month.
- She initiated the discussion by asking a direct question.
- The government has initiated an investigation into the matter.
- He initiated the process to apply for citizenship.
- They initiated action to resolve the conflict.
Learner examples
- The teacher initiated the lesson.
- We will initiate a new project soon.
- She initiated a talk with her neighbor.
- The police initiated an investigation.
- He initiated the game by throwing the ball.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
to formally introduce into a group
To make someone a member of a group in a formal way.
Usage pattern:
to initiate [someone] into [group/activity]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with simply 'starting' something, not realizing it involves people and formal inclusion.
Synonyms
induct (Common in formal or ceremonial contexts.)
|
enroll (Less formal; used for joining courses or programs.)
Antonyms
expel (To force someone to leave a group.)
Collocations
initiate someone into a club
|initiate new members
|initiate into the mysteries
Themes
social
|ceremony
|relationships
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The fraternity will initiate its new members this weekend.
- She was initiated into the art of pottery by her grandmother.
- They initiated him into the secrets of their craft.
- The tribe initiated the boys into adulthood through a ritual.
- He was initiated into the society after years of preparation.
Learner examples
- The club will initiate new members today.
- They initiated her into the group.
- He was initiated into the team.
- She initiated him into the art class.
- The tribe initiated the young men.
Noun
B2
entity
3
newly admitted member
A person who has just joined a group or started learning something new.
Synonyms
novice (General term for someone new at something.)
|
recruit (Often used for new members of an organization, especially military or clubs.)
Antonyms
veteran (An experienced member of a group.)
Collocations
new initiates
|train the initiates
|welcome the initiates
Themes
social
|education
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The initiates gathered in the hall for their first meeting.
- As an initiate, she had much to learn about the traditions.
- The club welcomed its initiates with a small ceremony.
- Each initiate received a handbook with rules and guidelines.
- The initiates were nervous but excited for their training.
Learner examples
- The initiates met for their first class.
- He is an initiate in the cooking club.
- They welcomed the initiates at the meeting.
- The initiates listened to the leader.
- She is an initiate in yoga.
Grammar
Dictionary form
initiate
IPA
GB/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt/
US/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
ini - ti - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: initiate
- Plural: initiates
Verb
- Base: initiate
- 3rd Person Singular: initiates
- Present Participle: initiating
- Past: initiated
Word family
Forms
initiates
noun
initiating
verb
initiated
verb
Core family
Related words
initiator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
uninitiated
adjective
Expressions
initiate change
1/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
cause change to begin
To start making changes happen.
Examples
- The manager initiated change by introducing a new workflow system.
- Grassroots campaigns can initiate change in public policy.
initiate contact
1/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt kˈɑntˌækt/
fixed phrase
make first communication
To be the one who starts talking or writing to someone first.
Examples
- We need to initiate contact with the client before sending the proposal.
- The rescue team initiated contact with the stranded hikers via radio.
initiate proceedings
1/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt pɹoʊsˈidɪŋz/
fixed phrase
formal
start formal process
To officially begin legal steps or another formal process.
Examples
- The company has initiated proceedings against the supplier for breach of contract.
- They initiated proceedings to dissolve the partnership.