INITIATE • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Initiate

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/ɪnˈɪʃiˌeɪt/ Listen

verb

Initiate v. t. (past & past part. initiated; pres. part. initiating)

1.

To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon. "How are changes of this sort to be initiated?"

2.

To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce. "Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry." "To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough."

3.

To introduce into a society or organization; 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 honor after death." "He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty."

Initiate v. i. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. (R.)

noun

Initiate n. One who is, or is to be, initiated.

adjective

Initiate adj.

1.

Unpracticed; untried; new. (Obs.) "The initiate fear that wants hard use."

2.

Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted. "To rise in science as in bliss, Initiate in the secrets of the skies."

Initiate tenant by courtesy (Law), said of a husband who becomes such in his wife's estate of inheritance by the birth of a child, but whose estate is not consummated till the death of the wife.

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Etymology of 'Initiate'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Initiate" Quotes from Famous Books

... only initiate this policy, and come now to the rescue of the Union from rebellion and foreign intervention, she would inscribe her name first of all the States on the page of history and in the gratitude of our country and mankind. The position of Maryland upon ...

— The Continental Monthly, Vol 2, No 6, December 1862 - Devoted to Literature and National Policy • Various

... on the corner of the stove, Claudet noticed him, and was touched with pity for this young fellow, who had so little idea how to employ his time, his youth, or his money. He felt impelled, as a conscientious duty, to draw him out of his unwholesome state of mind, and initiate him into the ...

— Serge Panine • Georges Ohnet

... speeches, not in the least gossipy or familiar, but stately and full of womanly presence. She ought to have a copy of Mrs. Stowe's editorial the moment it is written, for approval and suggestion. If Mr. Pillsbury would stay for a month or two and initiate Phoebe Cary, and we all work well as we mean to, I think she might get on.... I shall go to the Washington convention to work, not to speak. Tilton should be secured by all means—his wife, too. Our parlor needs her demure, motherly, angelic sweetness, ...

— The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) • Ida Husted Harper

... turn," she said, with a mocking smile; "but before you throw, I repeat the offer I made you before. Live with us. Be one of us. We will initiate you into our mysteries and enjoyments,—enjoyments of which you can form no idea unless you experience them. Come; it is not too late yet to change your mind. ...

— Masterpieces of Mystery - Riddle Stories • Various

... deeply suffering people, wretched victims of Turkish atrocities. After the wide sympathy that followed his Bulgarian Atrocities campaign there came a strong reaction. It was maintained that the Bulgarians were by no means the blameless victims of the Turks; and could themselves initiate massacres as well as suffer from them. Some even charged that there was a good deal of party spirit to account for the heat of Mr. Gladstone's championship. I think that the average British opinion in 1912 was that, regarding the quarrels between Bulgar and Turk, there ...

— Bulgaria • Frank Fox

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