Word
inauguration
Phoneticsin·au·gu·ra·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ɪˌnɔɡjɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɪnˌɔːɡjʊɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01induction into office
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a formal ceremony where a person is officially given a new job or title, especially a president.
n. the formal ceremony of inducting a person into a high office, such as a presidency or a university chancellorship.
“Thousands of people gathered in the capital to watch the president's inauguration.”
“The presidential inauguration was marked by a series of traditional ceremonies and a formal address outlining the administration's goals for the next four years.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the title or person.
Teaching tip
While most commonly associated with the US President, it can apply to any high-ranking official or academic leader.
Synonyms
02official opening
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the official opening of a new building, system, or organisation.
n. the formal beginning or initiation of a new enterprise, public building, or significant event.
“The city celebrated the inauguration of the new high-speed rail system.”
“The inauguration of the national library was attended by several prominent authors and local dignitaries.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of infrastructure or large-scale public projects.
Teaching tip
In this sense, it implies a level of ceremony beyond a simple 'opening'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to South Africa late on Thursday means the Super Falcons will miss the World Cup for the first time since the tournament’s inauguration in 1991.” “The tragedy struck just three days after the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who said the immediate priority is to rescue the people who remain trapped under the rubble.” Etymology
From Middle French inauguration.
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
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englishreference.com/q/inauguration