Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

• The action of beginning something, particularly a process or event.
• The formal admission or introduction of someone into a group, society, or activity, often involving rituals or ceremonies.
• The process of starting or triggering a system or mechanism.

Usage Examples

• The initiation of the new policy will begin next month.
• The ancient initiation rites were passed down through generations.
• After the initiation, the system will automatically begin its diagnostics.

Etymology

The word "initiation" comes from the Latin word "initiatio," derived from "initiare," meaning "to begin," from "initium," meaning "beginning." The word entered English in the 16th century.

Synonyms

• Commencement
• Beginning
• Start
• Launch
• Onset
• Opening

Antonyms

• Termination
• End
• Conclusion
• Completion
• Finish

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "initiation" can vary slightly depending on regional accents. In American English, the stress is often on the third syllable, while in British English, it might be more evenly distributed.

Historical Usage

The concept of initiation dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was often used in the context of religious or social rituals. In modern times, it has expanded to include the beginning of various processes, both formal and informal.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, initiation ceremonies carry significant social and spiritual importance, marking a person’s entry into adulthood or membership in a community or secret society. In other contexts, initiation refers to the first steps in a formalized process or action, like starting a project or beginning a new job.

More Information

Initiation is often more than just the beginning of something—it is a ritual or process that sets the tone for what follows. In ancient traditions, it signified the passage from one stage of life to another, often with symbolic rites. Today, initiation has broader meanings in both personal and professional contexts, such as the start of educational programs or the implementation of new systems in technology.