initiate

To start a process or activity that other people may continue.

• The manager initiated the discussion.
• Police have initiated an investigation into the fire.
• Who will initiate contact with the new supplier?

Similar words: start, begin, launch

Opposites: end, terminate

Common phrases: initiate a process, initiate an investigation, initiate contact

To make someone a member of a group, often through a special ceremony.

• The club initiated five new members.
• He was initiated into the order last spring.
• They initiate members through a short ceremony.

How to use it: initiate someone into something (They initiated her into the society during a private ceremony.)

Similar words: admit, induct

Opposites: expel

Common phrases: initiate new members, initiate someone into

To introduce someone to an activity or subject for the first time.

• My aunt initiated me into gardening.
• The course initiates beginners into computer programming.
• He was initiated into the secrets of traditional cooking.

How to use it: initiate someone into something (Her uncle initiated her into the art of chess.)

Similar words: introduce, instruct

Common phrases: initiate someone into, initiate new learners

A person who has completed a special ceremony to enter a group.

• Only an initiate may enter this room.
• The initiates took an oath during the ceremony.
• He spoke as an initiate of the ancient order.

Similar words: inductee

Common phrases: initiate of something, fully admitted initiate, fellow initiate

A person who has recently joined a group or organization.

• The initiate met the group's leader.
• Senior members helped the new initiates.
• As an initiate, she still had much to learn.

Similar words: newcomer, novice, new member

Common phrases: new initiate, young initiate, initiate of something