Word
inaugural
Phoneticsin·au·gu·ral, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈnɔɡɝəɫ/
UK/ɪnˈɔːɡjʊɹəl/
Definitions
01the first of a series
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes the very first time an event happens, especially when it will happen again in the future.
adj. marking the beginning of an operation, venture, or series of events.
“The city held its inaugural film festival last summer and it was a huge success.”
“The inaugural meeting of the regional council established a framework for environmental cooperation that would be reviewed annually.”
Antonyms
02relating to an induction
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. relating to a formal ceremony where someone starts an important new job, like a president.
adj. pertaining to an inauguration, particularly the formal induction of a person into an office or position.
“The president gave an inaugural speech about unity and hope.”
“The president's inaugural address was broadcast globally, outlining the administration's foreign policy priorities for the coming four-year term.”
Synonyms
03the ceremony or speech
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · American English
n. the formal ceremony or the speech given when someone starts a high-level job.
n. a formal ceremony of induction or the specific address delivered at such an event.
“Thousands of people gathered in the capital to watch the inaugural.”
“Security was tightened significantly in the weeks leading up to the inaugural to ensure the safety of the visiting dignitaries.”
Usage
often used in American political contexts to refer to the day a president takes office.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Los Angeles Queens, the New York Heights, the Boston Hunters and the San Francisco Firebells take the field in Springfield, Ill., as the Women's Pro Baseball League kicks off its inaugural season.” “Despite feeling "absolutely terrified" during the event's inaugural mixed 4x100m relay, Asher-Smith, world 200m champion in 2019, leaves Birmingham a 22-time international medallist in her senior career.” Etymology
From French inaugural, from inaugurer, from Latin augurare (“to take omens”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inaugural