initiate
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L322553 on Wikidata ↗verb
- begin, start
- instruct in the rudiments or principles; introduce
- confer membership on (especially of secret orders)
- do the first act; perform the first rite; take the initiative
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.ət/ / /ɪˈnɪʃ.ɪ.ət/ / /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪt/ / /ɪˈnɪʃ.ɪ.eɪt/
adj
Etymology: Borrowed from Latin initiātus, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.
- Unpracticed, untried, new.
“the initiate fear that wants hard use”
- Begun, commenced, introduced to or in the rudiments (of), newly admitted.
“To rise in science as in bliss, / Initiate in the secrets of the skies.”
noun
Etymology: From a substantivization of the adjective, see -ate (noun-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more. Cognate with French initié (“an initiate, neophyte”).
- A new member of an organization.
- One who has been through a ceremony of initiation.
- One who is oriented in and familiar with a topic or subject; especially, one who is an expert in it.
verb
Etymology: Borrowed from Latin initiātus, perfect passive participle of initiō (“to begin, originate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from initium (“a beginning”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix), from initus (“an entrance, coming in, approach”) + -ium, from ineō + -tus, from in- + eō (“to go”). Cognate with French initier.
- To begin; to start.
“How are changes of this sort to be initiated?”
“This is a very strong move, aptly timed. It initiates the tactical conception which routs Black's hopes.”
- To instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
“Divine Providence would only initiate and enter mankind into the useful knowledge of her, leaving the rest to employ our industry.”
“to initiate his pupil in any part of learning”
- To confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
“The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honour after death.”
“He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty.”
- To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.
“The king himself initiates to the power; Scatters with quivering hand the sacred flour, And the stream sprinkles.”