initiate
She will initiate the project next week.
She will start the project next week.
To cause a process or action to begin.
The company initiated a new marketing campaign.
The company started a new marketing campaign.
He initiated a conversation with his neighbor.
He started a conversation with his neighbor.
Often used in formal or technical contexts, such as business, law, or technology.
To introduce someone to a particular skill or subject.
The instructor initiated the students into the basics of programming.
The instructor introduced the students to the basics of programming.
Commonly used in educational or training contexts.
To admit someone into a secret society or group.
He was initiated into the fraternity last year.
He was formally admitted into the fraternity last year.
Refers to ceremonial or formal admission into a group.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Use 'initiate' for formal or deliberate actions
Use 'initiate' when the action is planned, ceremonial, or part of a formal process. For example, 'The government initiated a new policy' sounds more formal than 'The government started a new policy'.
Gold Rule
Avoid using 'initiate' for casual or spontaneous actions
For everyday or spontaneous actions, prefer 'start' or 'begin'. For example, 'I started my day with coffee' is more natural than 'I initiated my day with coffee'.
Word Origin
From Latin 'initiare', meaning 'to begin' or 'to admit', derived from 'initium' (beginning), from 'inire' (to go in or enter). The word entered English in the 15th century through Old French 'initier'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'initiate' is often used in formal or technical contexts. It implies a deliberate or ceremonial act of starting something, rather than a spontaneous beginning. The noun form is 'initiation'.