initiate
word
/ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪt/
i-NI-shee-ayt
/ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪt/
i-NI-shee-ayt
Definition
To start something, or to make something begin; can also mean to introduce someone to a group or activity for the first time.
Usage & Nuances
Formal word, used often in business, academic, or technical contexts. Common collocations: 'initiate a process', 'initiate contact', 'initiate a project'. Not usually used for everyday simple actions; 'start' or 'begin' are more common informally.
Spanish: iniciar - comenzarPortuguese (BR): iniciar - começarPortuguese (PT): iniciar - começarChinese (Simplified): 启动 - 发起Chinese (Traditional): 啟動 - 發起Hindi: शुरू करना - प्रारंभ करनाArabic: يبدأ - يباشرBengali: আরম্ভ করা - শুরু করা - অন্তর্ভুক্ত করাRussian: начать - инициировать - вводить (в группу)Japanese: 開始する - 始める - 加入させるVietnamese: khởi xướng - bắt đầu - kết nạp (vào nhóm)Korean: 시작하다 - 착수하다 - 입문시키다Turkish: başlatmak - başlamak - dahil etmekUrdu: آغاز کرنا - شروع کرنا - شامل کرنا (گروپ میں)Indonesian: memulai - menginisiasi - memperkenalkan (ke dalam grup)
Example Sentences
They will initiate the project next week.
basic
Press this button to initiate the process.
basic
The teacher will initiate the discussion soon.
basic
How do we initiate contact with the new client?
natural
She was initiated into the group last year.
natural
The ceremony will initiate the festival.
natural