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B1 verb #45 most common 9 min read

initiated

Top 45

At the A1 level, 'initiated' is a very difficult word. You probably won't use it often. Instead, you use the word 'start.' For example, instead of saying 'He initiated the game,' you would say 'He started the game.' 'Initiated' is like a 'big brother' to the word 'start.' It means the same thing but sounds much more official. Imagine you are playing with blocks. If you put the first block down to build a tower, you 'started' the tower. If a big company builds a huge skyscraper and they have a big meeting to decide when to begin, they 'initiate' the project. A1 learners should know that when they see this word in a book or on a computer screen (like 'Initiating download'), it just means 'Starting.' It is a formal way to say something is beginning. You might see it on a computer button or in a story about a secret club. Just remember: Initiated = Started (but in a fancy way). You don't need to use it in your daily speaking yet, but recognizing it will help you understand more complex English instructions.

For A2 learners, 'initiated' is a word you might start to see in work emails or news stories. It is a verb that means to begin a process or a plan. At this level, you should understand that 'initiated' is more formal than 'start' or 'begin.' For example, if your boss says, 'We have initiated the new schedule,' it means the new schedule has officially started. You can also use it when talking about technology. If you click a button to update your phone, the phone 'initiates' the update. Another way people use this word is when someone is welcomed into a special group. If you join a secret club, they might have a ceremony to 'initiate' you. This means they are making you a real member. A good way to practice is to look for the word in formal settings. If you see 'Initiated by,' it tells you who started the action. For example, 'The call was initiated by the manager.' This means the manager was the one who made the call. It's a useful word to know for your job or for understanding official documents.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'initiated' in your own writing and speaking, especially in professional or academic contexts. 'Initiated' means to set something in motion or to introduce a new person to a group. It is a 'transitive verb,' which means it usually needs an object. You initiate *a project*, *a conversation*, or *a change*. It is very common in the business world. For instance, 'The company initiated a new policy regarding remote work.' This sounds much more professional than 'The company started a new policy.' You should also learn the phrase 'initiated into.' This is used when someone is taught the secrets or rules of a group. 'He was initiated into the local traditions.' At B1, you can start using 'initiated' to show that an action was deliberate and planned. It’s not just an accident; it’s a choice. You might use it in a job interview: 'In my last job, I initiated a new filing system that saved us five hours a week.' This shows you are a leader who takes action. It is a key word for moving from basic English to more professional, intermediate English.

At the B2 level, 'initiated' is a standard part of your vocabulary for formal reports, essays, and business communication. You should understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'commenced' or 'instituted.' While 'commenced' is very formal and often used for events, 'initiated' is better for processes and actions that require a series of steps. You should also be comfortable using 'initiated' in the passive voice, which is very common in technical and legal writing: 'The investigation was initiated after several complaints were filed.' This level also requires understanding the noun form, 'initiation,' and how it relates to the verb. For example, 'The initiation of the project took longer than expected.' You should also be aware of the social meaning—being initiated into a group—and how it can be used metaphorically. For example, 'She was quickly initiated into the fast-paced world of Wall Street.' This means she learned how it works very quickly. At B2, you should use 'initiated' to add precision to your descriptions of how things begin, especially when those beginnings involve authority, technology, or formal procedures.

For C1 learners, 'initiated' is a versatile tool for precise expression. You should be able to use it to distinguish between different types of 'beginnings.' 'Initiated' implies a causal link—someone or something acted as the catalyst. In C1 level discourse, you might discuss who 'initiated the paradigm shift' in a scientific field or how a specific event 'initiated a chain of consequences.' You should also be familiar with the more obscure uses of the word, such as in chemistry (initiating a reaction) or in computer networking (initiating a handshake protocol). At this level, you can use 'initiated' to describe subtle social dynamics, such as 'initiating a rapport' with a difficult client. You should also understand the cultural weight of 'initiation rites' in various societies and be able to use the word in sophisticated metaphorical ways. For example, 'The poet initiated a new era of romanticism.' This implies not just starting, but leading and defining a new movement. Your use of 'initiated' should reflect an understanding of its power to denote leadership, authority, and the formal start of significant, complex systems.

At the C2 level, 'initiated' is used with complete mastery of its various registers and connotations. You understand that 'initiated' can function as a verb, but also that its past participle can act as a noun ('the initiated'), referring to people who have secret or specialized knowledge. For example, 'To the initiated, these symbols carry a profound meaning.' This usage is highly sophisticated and often found in literary or philosophical texts. You should be able to use 'initiated' to describe complex, multi-layered starts, such as 'initiating a multi-lateral diplomatic strategy' or 'initiating a recursive process in programming.' You can also use it to discuss the philosophy of beginnings—how an action is 'initiated' by the will and what that implies for responsibility. In your writing, 'initiated' should be used to provide exactness, choosing it over 'commenced,' 'inaugurated,' or 'originated' based on the precise shade of meaning required. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a scientific paper, or a piece of literary criticism, 'initiated' is a word that allows you to describe the genesis of ideas, processes, and social identities with absolute clarity and authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

initiated in 30 Seconds

Initiated means to formally start a process, project, or technical sequence, implying a deliberate and structured beginning rather than a casual or accidental one.
It also refers to the act of inducting or welcoming someone into a group, often through a specific ritual, ceremony, or by sharing secret knowledge.
The word is commonly used in business, technology, law, and social contexts to denote authority, official action, or a change in status from outsider to insider.
Common synonyms include started, launched, and commenced, but 'initiated' carries a more professional and formal tone, especially when followed by the preposition 'into'.

The verb initiated is a sophisticated and precise term used to describe the act of starting a process, launching a plan, or introducing a new concept. Unlike the simple word 'started,' which can be used for almost anything from starting a car to starting a conversation, 'initiated' implies a level of formality, intentionality, and often a structured sequence of events that follow. When a project is initiated, it suggests that a formal decision was made, resources were allocated, and a specific goal was set in motion. It is the 'spark' that begins a complex chain reaction in professional, technical, and social contexts.

Formal Commencement: In business and law, to initiate is to perform the first official act that makes a process valid. For example, a lawyer might initiate legal proceedings, meaning they have filed the necessary paperwork to start a court case.
Social Induction: In a social or cultural context, 'initiated' refers to the process of bringing someone into a group, often through a specific ritual or ceremony. This is common in fraternities, secret societies, or religious organizations.

Furthermore, 'initiated' is frequently used in technical fields. In computing, a system might initiate a handshake with another server, or a user might initiate a download. In these cases, it refers to the trigger that starts an automated sequence. The word carries an aura of authority; a leader initiates change, a scientist initiates an experiment, and a diplomat initiates peace talks. It is rarely used for trivial or accidental starts. You wouldn't usually say you 'initiated' eating a sandwich, but you would say you 'initiated' a new diet plan.

The CEO initiated a complete restructuring of the department to improve efficiency and communication across all global branches.

The second major meaning of 'initiated' involves the transfer of knowledge or membership. When someone is 'initiated into' something, they are being given secret or specialized knowledge that is not available to the general public. This can be literal, like a secret society, or metaphorical, such as being 'initiated into the mysteries of French cooking.' In this sense, it is about transformation—moving from an outsider to an insider. This dual nature of the word—both starting a thing and welcoming a person—makes it a versatile tool in the English language, bridging the gap between mechanical processes and human social structures.

New members were initiated into the guild during a private ceremony held at midnight in the old library.

Technical Trigger: The software initiated a backup sequence automatically once the external drive was connected to the primary workstation.

Using 'initiated' correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. This means it usually acts upon an object. You initiate a project, initiate a conversation, or initiate a sequence. In the passive voice, it is also very common: 'The project was initiated by the board of directors.' This shift to the passive voice is often used in formal reports where the focus is on the action rather than the person performing it.

Business Context: 'We have initiated a search for a new marketing director to lead our upcoming global campaign.' Here, it shows a formal, planned action.
Social Context: 'She initiated the discussion about the budget during the dinner party, much to everyone's surprise.' This implies she was the one who bravely or deliberately started a difficult topic.

When using 'initiated' to mean induction, the preposition 'into' is almost always required. You are initiated *into* a group, *into* a secret, or *into* a tradition. This usage highlights the boundary between being an outsider and becoming an insider. For example, 'The students were initiated into the honor society after maintaining a 4.0 GPA for three consecutive years.' In this context, 'initiated' functions as a milestone marker.

The government initiated a series of economic reforms designed to curb inflation and encourage foreign investment.

In scientific and academic writing, 'initiated' is the preferred term for starting a reaction or a study. 'The researchers initiated the trial in early January.' This sounds much more professional than 'The researchers started the trial.' It suggests a controlled environment where every step is documented. Using 'initiated' elevates the register of your writing, making it suitable for essays, reports, and formal correspondence.

After the alarm sounded, the system initiated an emergency shutdown of the entire nuclear reactor facility.

You will most frequently encounter 'initiated' in professional environments. In a corporate office, you might hear a project manager say, 'We’ve initiated the first phase of the rollout.' In this setting, it signals that the planning stage is over and the execution stage has begun. It’s a word of action and progress. Similarly, in the news, you’ll hear about world leaders who have 'initiated peace talks' or 'initiated a crackdown on crime.' In these high-stakes scenarios, 'initiated' conveys the gravity and the official nature of the actions being taken.

News & Media: 'The prosecutor initiated an investigation into the company's financial dealings following the whistleblower's report.'
Technology: 'Please wait while the system initiates the update. Do not turn off your computer during this process.'

Another common place to hear this word is in documentaries or books about history and sociology, specifically regarding 'rites of passage.' Anthropologists talk about how young people in various cultures are 'initiated into adulthood' through specific trials or ceremonies. This usage is deeply tied to identity and community. Even in modern pop culture, like movies about secret agents or superhero teams, a new recruit is often 'initiated' into the organization, involving a series of tests or a formal swearing-in ceremony.

The spacecraft initiated its landing sequence as it entered the Martian atmosphere.

In legal dramas or real-life legal news, 'initiated' is a standard term. 'The plaintiff initiated a lawsuit' is the formal way to say someone is suing someone else. In medical contexts, a doctor might 'initiate a treatment plan' for a patient. In all these instances, the word 'initiated' serves to mark the beginning of a significant, structured, and often professional process. It is a word that demands attention and implies that what follows is important.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using 'initiated' as a synonym for 'started' in casual or physical contexts. For example, saying 'I initiated my car' sounds very strange to a native speaker. 'Initiated' is reserved for processes, systems, or social inductions. If you are talking about a physical object or a simple daily activity, stick with 'started' or 'began.' 'Initiated' requires a certain level of complexity or formality in the object it describes.

Confusion with 'Initial': Some people confuse the verb 'initiated' with the adjective 'initial.' 'Initial' means 'first' (e.g., 'the initial reaction'), while 'initiated' is the action of starting something. You cannot say 'I initialed the project' unless you mean you wrote your initials on a document.
Preposition Errors: When using the induction meaning, people often forget the 'into.' Saying 'He was initiated the group' is incorrect; it must be 'He was initiated *into* the group.'

Another mistake is overusing the word in an attempt to sound 'smart.' If every single thing you do is 'initiated,' your writing will feel heavy and unnatural. Use it sparingly for emphasis on formal or complex starts. For instance, 'I initiated a conversation with the barista' is technically correct but feels overly formal for a coffee shop. 'I started a conversation' is much more natural. Reserve 'initiated' for when the conversation is a strategic move, such as in a negotiation.

Incorrect: He initiated running when he saw the bus.
Correct: He started running when he saw the bus.

Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While 'The process was initiated' is common, ensure the context makes it clear who or what did the initiating if that information is important. Leaving it too vague can sometimes make professional writing sound like it's avoiding responsibility. 'The layoffs were initiated' sounds colder and more detached than 'The management initiated the layoffs,' though both are grammatically correct.

While 'initiated' is a great word, having alternatives can help you avoid repetition and match the specific tone of your message. Depending on the context, words like 'commenced,' 'launched,' 'triggered,' or 'inaugurated' might be more appropriate. Each of these carries a slightly different nuance that can change the feeling of your sentence.

Commenced: This is even more formal than 'initiated.' It is often used for ceremonies or official events. 'The graduation ceremony commenced at noon.' It sounds very traditional.
Launched: Use this for products, websites, or major campaigns. It implies a sense of excitement and public reveal. 'The company launched its new smartphone today.'
Triggered: This is best for automatic or cause-and-effect situations. 'The smoke triggered the fire alarm.' It suggests a quick, often involuntary reaction.

If you are talking about the induction meaning of 'initiated,' you might use 'inducted,' 'admitted,' or 'installed.' 'Inducted' is common for halls of fame or formal organizations. 'He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.' 'Admitted' is more general, like being admitted to a university. 'Installed' is often used for people taking an official office, like 'The new president was installed today.'

While 'initiated' focuses on the start of the process, 'instituted' focuses on the establishment of a rule or system that will last a long time.

In more casual settings, simply using 'started,' 'began,' or 'set off' is perfectly fine. 'We set off on our journey' is much better than 'We initiated our journey.' Choosing the right word is about matching the 'vibe' of the situation. 'Initiated' is the word of the boardroom, the laboratory, and the secret society—it is a word of serious beginnings and significant entries.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is closely related to 'initial' (the first letter) and 'initiative' (the ability to start things). All come from the idea of 'going in' (in- + ire).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪ.tɪd/

US /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪ.tɪd/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: i-NI-ti-a-ted.

Rhymes With

negotiated associated depreciated radiated abbreviated alleviated appropriated humiliated

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ti' as 'tee' instead of 'sh'.
Stressing the first syllable.
Missing the 'ed' sound at the end.
Confusing it with 'initialed'.
Pronouncing it like 'in-eye-ti-ated'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and books, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal register and prepositions.

Speaking 4/5

Can sound overly formal if used in the wrong context.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'initial'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

start begin first group process

Learn Next

commence institute inaugurate catalyst induction

Advanced

esoteric paradigm shift recursive onboarding rite of passage

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs

You must initiate *something* (the object).

Passive Voice

The project *was initiated* by the team.

Prepositional Phrases

Use 'into' for membership: 'initiated *into* the group'.

Past Participle as Adjective

The *initiated* members knew the secret.

Gerunds after Verbs

He initiated *searching* for the answer.

Examples by Level

The teacher initiated the game for the children.

The teacher started the game.

Simple past tense.

He initiated a chat with his new friend.

He started talking to his friend.

Subject + Verb + Object.

The computer initiated the setup process.

The computer started the setup.

Active voice.

She initiated the music on her phone.

She started the music.

Simple past.

They initiated the race with a loud whistle.

They started the race.

Prepositional phrase 'with a whistle'.

The app initiated a quick scan.

The app started scanning.

Transitive verb.

Who initiated the project in your class?

Who started the project?

Interrogative sentence.

I initiated the download of the movie.

I started downloading the movie.

First person singular.

The manager initiated the meeting at 9 AM.

The manager started the meeting.

Time expression 'at 9 AM'.

We initiated a new plan to save money.

We started a plan.

Infinitive phrase 'to save money'.

The system initiated a restart after the update.

The system started a restart.

Noun phrase as object.

She initiated a conversation about the weekend.

She started talking about the weekend.

Preposition 'about'.

The club initiated five new members last night.

The club welcomed five members.

Induction meaning.

He initiated the call to the customer service.

He made the call.

Definite article 'the call'.

The pilot initiated the landing sequence.

The pilot started landing.

Technical context.

They initiated a search for the lost keys.

They started looking for keys.

Search as an object.

The government initiated a program to help small businesses.

The government started a helpful program.

Formal context.

She initiated a legal claim against the company.

She started a lawsuit.

Legal terminology.

The software initiated an automatic backup of all files.

The software started saving files.

Adjective 'automatic'.

He was initiated into the fraternity during a secret ceremony.

He became a member of the group.

Passive voice + 'into'.

The school initiated a new policy on bullying.

The school started a new rule.

Policy as object.

They initiated a dialogue between the two warring factions.

They started a talk for peace.

Diplomatic context.

The scientist initiated the chemical reaction by adding heat.

The scientist started the reaction.

Gerund phrase 'by adding heat'.

I initiated a request for more information from the HR department.

I asked for more info.

Professional request.

The board initiated a thorough investigation into the financial discrepancy.

The board started a deep check.

Compound noun 'financial discrepancy'.

Having initiated the process, he felt responsible for its outcome.

Since he started it, he felt responsible.

Perfect participle phrase.

The spacecraft initiated its thrusters to adjust its orbit.

The ship started its engines.

Infinitive of purpose.

She was initiated into the mysteries of ancient philosophy by her mentor.

She was taught secret knowledge.

Metaphorical induction.

The bank initiated foreclosure proceedings on the property.

The bank started taking the house.

Specific legal term 'foreclosure'.

The virus initiated a shutdown of the entire network.

The virus started a network crash.

Cause and effect.

He initiated a series of reforms that changed the city forever.

He started changes for the city.

Relative clause 'that changed...'.

The company initiated a hostile takeover of its competitor.

The company tried to buy the other company.

Business idiom 'hostile takeover'.

The central bank initiated a quantitative easing program to stimulate the economy.

The bank started a complex money plan.

Economic terminology.

The catalyst initiated a rapid chain reaction within the solution.

The substance started a fast reaction.

Scientific precision.

She initiated a rapport with the local community through consistent outreach.

She built a good relationship.

Abstract object 'rapport'.

The document was initiated by the prime minister himself.

The PM started the document.

Passive voice for emphasis.

The software initiated a handshake protocol to establish a secure connection.

The software started a security check.

Technical jargon.

He initiated a paradigm shift in the way we think about renewable energy.

He started a big change in thinking.

Collocation 'paradigm shift'.

The tribe initiated the young warriors into the secrets of the forest.

The tribe taught the young men.

Anthropological context.

The court initiated a stay of execution pending further evidence.

The court started a delay.

Legal procedure.

The esoteric order initiated only those who had proven their absolute loyalty.

The secret group only let in loyal people.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'esoteric'.

The subtle shift in market sentiment initiated a massive sell-off of tech stocks.

The small change started a big sale.

Nuanced cause and effect.

He initiated a recursive algorithm that optimized the data processing speed.

He started a self-repeating code.

Technical programming context.

The philosopher argued that every moral act is initiated by a conscious choice.

He said every good act starts with a choice.

Philosophical discourse.

The treaty initiated a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity in the region.

The agreement started a long peace.

Historical/Political register.

The poet's early works initiated a departure from traditional meter and rhyme.

His poems started a new style.

Literary analysis.

The surgeon initiated the bypass procedure with meticulous precision.

The doctor started the surgery carefully.

Medical register.

To the initiated, the artist's use of color was a clear nod to the Renaissance masters.

To experts, the colors were special.

'The initiated' as a noun phrase.

Common Collocations

initiate a process

initiate a conversation

initiate legal action

initiate a search

initiate a program

initiate a download

initiate a change

initiate a sequence

initiate a dialogue

initiate a study

Common Phrases

Initiated into

Well-initiated

Self-initiated

Initiated by

To initiate contact

Initiate a response

Initiate a plan

Initiate a reform

Initiate a trial

Initiate a movement

Often Confused With

initiated vs Initialed

This means writing your initials (first letters of your name) on a document.

initiated vs Initial

This is an adjective meaning 'first' (e.g., the initial stage).

initiated vs Instigated

This often means starting something bad, like a fight or a riot.

Idioms & Expressions

"Initiate a chain reaction"

To start a series of events where each one causes the next.

The small error initiated a chain reaction of failures.

Technical/General

"Initiate someone into the fold"

To welcome someone into a group or community.

We initiated the new neighbors into the fold with a party.

Social

"Initiate a clean slate"

To start over completely fresh.

The new CEO initiated a clean slate for the company.

Business

"Initiate the first move"

To be the one to start an interaction or conflict.

In chess, white always initiates the first move.

General

"Initiate a spark"

To start an idea or a romantic feeling.

Their meeting initiated a spark of creativity.

Literary

"Initiate a power play"

To start a strategic move to gain control.

The director initiated a power play to get the promotion.

Business

"Initiate the ball rolling"

A variation of 'get the ball rolling'; to start a process.

Let's initiate the ball rolling on this project.

Informal

"Initiate a new chapter"

To start a new period in one's life or history.

Graduation initiated a new chapter for him.

General

"Initiate a bridge"

To start building a connection between two groups.

The summit initiated a bridge between the two nations.

Diplomatic

"Initiate the count"

To start a countdown or a formal tally.

The referee initiated the count after the knockdown.

Sports

Easily Confused

initiated vs Start

Both mean to begin.

'Start' is casual and general; 'Initiate' is formal and procedural.

I started the car. We initiated the project.

initiated vs Begin

Both mean to begin.

'Begin' is neutral; 'Initiate' implies a catalyst or formal process.

The movie begins. The court initiated the trial.

initiated vs Inaugurate

Both mean to start formally.

'Inaugurate' is for buildings, offices, or eras; 'Initiate' is for processes or memberships.

The president was inaugurated. The plan was initiated.

initiated vs Commence

Both are formal for 'start'.

'Commence' is often for events/ceremonies; 'Initiate' is for actions/processes.

The show will commence. We initiated the search.

initiated vs Trigger

Both mean to cause a start.

'Trigger' is often automatic or sudden; 'Initiate' is often planned and formal.

The sensor triggered the light. The board initiated the audit.

Sentence Patterns

I initiated the [noun].

I initiated the game.

The [noun] initiated the [noun].

The computer initiated the update.

We initiated a [noun] to [verb].

We initiated a plan to save time.

[Noun] was initiated by [noun].

The study was initiated by the university.

Having initiated [noun], [subject] [verb].

Having initiated the reform, the mayor felt proud.

To the initiated, [clause].

To the initiated, the code was simple.

Academic

The initiation of [noun] resulted in [noun].

The initiation of the protocol resulted in data loss.

Technical

System initiated [noun] sequence.

System initiated shutdown sequence.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, technical, and academic English.

Common Mistakes

I initiated the car. → I started the car.
'Initiated' is for processes, not simple physical machines like cars.
He was initiated the club. → He was initiated into the club.
The preposition 'into' is required for membership contexts.
I initialed the project. → I initiated the project.
'Initialed' means writing your initials; 'initiated' means starting.
The movie initiated at 8. → The movie started at 8.
'Initiated' is usually transitive (needs an object) or used for complex processes.
He initiated to run. → He started to run.
'Initiate' is not usually followed by an infinitive verb like 'to run'.

Tips

Use for Projects

In your resume, use 'initiated' to describe projects you started. It sounds more proactive than 'started'.

Remember 'Into'

When talking about joining a group, always pair 'initiated' with 'into'. Example: 'Initiated into the guild'.

Match the Register

Don't use 'initiated' in casual texts with friends; it might sound like you're trying too hard to be formal.

Noun Form

Learn 'initiation' alongside 'initiated' to talk about the process itself. 'The initiation was difficult'.

Business English

Use 'initiated' in emails when you are the one starting a new task. 'I have initiated the client outreach'.

The 'SH' Sound

Make sure the 'ti' sounds like 'sh'. Practice saying 'in-ish-ee-ated' slowly.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'initiated' in one paragraph, try 'launched' or 'commenced' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

System Messages

Look for this word in software error messages or status bars to see it in a real-world technical context.

Be the Catalyst

In social settings, 'initiating' shows leadership. Use it to describe taking the first step in a relationship.

Initiate vs Instigate

Remember that 'initiate' is usually neutral or positive, while 'instigate' is often negative (like starting trouble).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In-It-I-Ate'. If you are 'In It', you have 'Initiated' the process. Or think of 'Initial'—the first step.

Visual Association

Imagine a finger pressing a glowing 'START' button on a high-tech machine. That is initiating a sequence.

Word Web

Start Begin Launch Induct Trigger Open First Process

Challenge

Try to use 'initiated' in a sentence about your morning routine, but make it sound like a top-secret mission.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'initiatus', the past participle of 'initiare', which means 'to begin' or 'to admit to secret rites'.

Original meaning: To begin or to enter into a mystery.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'initiated' in the context of 'hazing' (harmful initiation rituals), as this has negative connotations.

Commonly used in corporate 'speak' and legal documents. It sounds very official.

The movie 'The Matrix' (initiating into the real world) Secret society rituals in literature NASA launch sequences

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

initiate a project
initiate a merger
initiate a review
initiate a strategy

Technology

initiate a download
initiate a restart
initiate a connection
initiate a sequence

Legal

initiate a lawsuit
initiate proceedings
initiate an investigation
initiate a claim

Social

initiate a conversation
initiate a friendship
initiate into a club
initiate a ritual

Science

initiate a reaction
initiate a study
initiate a trial
initiate a test

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever initiated a big project at your work or school?"

"What was the last conversation you initiated with a stranger?"

"If you could initiate one new law in your country, what would it be?"

"Have you ever been initiated into a club or a special group?"

"How do you feel when someone else initiates a difficult conversation with you?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you initiated a positive change in your life. What were the steps you took?

Write about a process you initiated that didn't go as planned. What did you learn?

If you were to be initiated into a secret society, what kind of society would you want it to be?

Reflect on the importance of who initiates things in a relationship. Is it always the same person?

Discuss a technical process you initiated recently and how the technology responded.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. While you can use it casually, it often sounds a bit strange or sarcastic if the action is very simple, like 'initiating a snack.' It's best kept for projects, plans, or technical tasks.

'Started' is the general word for any beginning. 'Initiated' suggests that a formal process was set in motion, often by someone in authority. You start a car, but you initiate a corporate merger.

No, you must use the passive voice or an object. You can say 'I was initiated into the club' or 'The club initiated me.' You cannot initiate 'into' something yourself without an object.

Yes, it is very common. You'll see it in phrases like 'initiating connection,' 'initiating download,' or 'initiating system recovery.' It describes automated processes starting.

The 'ti' is pronounced like 'sh,' similar to the word 'ocean' or 'nation.' So it sounds like 'in-ish-ee-ated.'

Yes, 'the initiated' refers to a group of people who have special, secret knowledge. For example: 'Only the initiated understood the secret code.'

It refers to a task or project that you started on your own without being told to do so by a boss or teacher. It shows independence.

Yes, lawyers 'initiate' lawsuits, legal proceedings, and investigations. It is the standard formal term in legal documents.

It is a ceremony or series of tests that someone must complete to become a member of a group, such as a tribe, a fraternity, or a secret society.

Yes, 'initiating a conversation' is a common and correct phrase. It means you were the one who started talking first.