ENGLISH
REFERENCE

initiated

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪtəd// UK //ɪnˈɪʃɪˌeɪtɪd// ini·ti·at·ed

v. to start a process or an official plan. You use this when someone takes the first step to make something happen.

v. to set a process or action in motion; to originate or introduce a new plan or project.


SIMPLE

The manager initiated a new policy for remote work.

CONTEXTUAL

The government initiated a formal investigation into the company's financial records last Tuesday.

COMPLEX

By providing the necessary seed funding, the foundation initiated a series of community-led projects that eventually transformed the local economy over the following decade.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like a process, plan, or conversation.

Pitfall

The project initiated yesterday.The project was initiated yesterday.Initiate is transitive; if the subject is the thing being started, you must use the passive voice.

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