Meaning of Initiate
to make something begin
In simple words: To start something.
Initiate in a sentence
- to initiate legal proceedings against somebody
- The government has initiated a programme of economic reform.
- Anyone has the right to initiate legislation in Parliament by means of a private bill.
- Bacteria then enter the wound and initiate infection.
- He initiated a national debate on reform.
- The organization may initiate legal action against you.
- She was initiated into classical music by her mother.
- His uncle initiated him into the pleasures of sailing.
- Hundreds are initiated into the sect each year.
How to use Initiate
Use 'initiate' in contexts where a formal or official start is needed, like in business or academic settings. It may feel too formal in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
initiate + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'in-it-iate' — think of being in a meeting where you begin a new project.
Related words
Collocations with Initiate
- formally
- immediately
- recently
Synonyms for Initiate
- set/put in motion
Common mistakes with Initiate
- Confused with 'initiation' which is the process of starting something.
- Using it in informal settings where simpler words like 'start' are preferred.
- Forgetting to use an object after 'initiate', such as 'initiate a project.'
Initiate appears in
Initiate in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يبدأ، يباشر، يدخل في
تبدأ شيئًا.
- Bengaliবাংলা
শুরু করা, আরম্ভ করা
কোনো কিছু শুরু করা।
- GermanDeutsch
Initiate
Etwas starten.
- SpanishEspañol
Iniciar, empezar, comenzar, introducir
Empezar algo.
- Persianفارسی
شروع کردن، آغاز کردن، معرفی کردن
یه کاری رو شروع کردن.
- FrenchFrançais
Initier, Lancer, Commencer
Démarrer quelque chose.
- Hindiहिन्दी
शुरू करना
किसी चीज़ को शुरू करना।
- ItalianItaliano
Iniziare, Avviare, Intraprendere, Ammettere
Dare il via a qualcosa.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Initiate
Começar alguma coisa.
- RussianРусский
Начать, инициировать
Начать что-то.
- Urduاردو
شروع کرنا، آغاز کرنا
کسی چیز کو شروع کرنا۔
- Chinese中文
启动
开始某事。
More words like Initiate
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
- AbstractB2
based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation
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Frequently asked questions about Initiate
What does Initiate mean?
To start something.
What is the definition of Initiate?
to make something begin
How do you use Initiate in a sentence?
to initiate legal proceedings against somebody
Can you give another example of Initiate?
The government has initiated a programme of economic reform.
What are synonyms for Initiate?
Common alternatives include set/put in motion.
What is the opposite of Initiate?
Opposite meanings include terminate, end, cease.
What words go with Initiate?
It commonly pairs with formally, immediately, recently.
What are common mistakes when using Initiate?
Confused with 'initiation' which is the process of starting something. Using it in informal settings where simpler words like 'start' are preferred. Forgetting to use an object after 'initiate', such as 'initiate a project.'
How do you pronounce Initiate?
US: /["/ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪts/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪd/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪts/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪd/","/ɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Initiate?
Use 'initiate' in contexts where a formal or official start is needed, like in business or academic settings. It may feel too formal in casual conversations.
What CEFR level is Initiate?
"Initiate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.


