initiate
Meaning: To cause a process or action to begin; to introduce someone to a new activity, skill, or body of knowledge.
Initiate is a formal alternative to 'start' or 'begin,' carrying connotations of deliberate, purposeful action. It is widely used in professional and institutional contexts: initiating proceedings, initiating a programme, initiating contact. As a noun, an initiate is someone newly admitted to a group or practice. Common collocations include 'initiate proceedings,' 'initiate a dialogue,' 'initiate reforms,' and 'initiate contact.'
Examples
- The hospital initiated a review of its safety procedures following the incident. 该事件发生后,医院启动了对其安全程序的审查。El hospital inició una revisión de sus protocolos de seguridad tras el incidente.その事故を受けて、病院は安全手順の見直しを開始しました。그 사건 이후 병원은 안전 절차에 대한 검토를 개시했습니다.
- Diplomats initiated a series of talks aimed at resolving the long-standing territorial dispute. 外交官们发起了一系列旨在解决长期领土争端的会谈。Los diplomáticos iniciaron una serie de conversaciones destinadas a resolver la disputa territorial de larga duración.外交官たちは、長年の領土問題の解決を目指した一連の会談を開始しました。외교관들은 오랜 영토 분쟁의 해결을 목표로 일련의 회담을 시작했습니다.
- New employees are initiated into the company's working practices during a two-week induction programme. 新员工在为期两周的入职培训中了解公司的工作规范。Los nuevos empleados se familiarizan con las prácticas laborales de la empresa durante un programa de incorporación de dos semanas.新入社員は2週間の導入プログラムを通じて、会社の業務慣行を学びます。신입 사원들은 2주간의 오리엔테이션 프로그램을 통해 회사의 업무 관행을 익히게 됩니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin initiare (to begin), from initium (beginning), from inire (to go in), from in- (into) and ire (to go). It entered English in the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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