Word
initiation
Phoneticsini·ti·a·tion
US/ˌɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɪnˌɪʃɪˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01starting a process
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of starting a new plan, process, or activity.
n. the act of beginning or originating a process, project, or sequence of events.
“The initiation of the new safety rules helped reduce accidents at the factory.”
“The rapid initiation of emergency protocols prevented the minor technical glitch from escalating into a full-scale system failure.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02joining a group
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a ceremony or set of actions that someone must complete to join a club or organization.
n. a formal ritual or set of requirements marking the admission of an individual into a specific group, society, or order.
“The club has a secret initiation for all new members.”
“The university fraternity faced heavy criticism after reports surfaced regarding the dangerous nature of their annual initiation rites.”
Teaching tip
In modern contexts, this often refers to university clubs or professional organizations, but it can also describe traditional tribal or religious ceremonies.
03chemical/biological start
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the very first step in a chemical reaction or a biological process.
n. the preliminary stage of a chemical reaction or a molecular process such as transcription or translation.
“The initiation of the reaction requires a small amount of heat.”
“The research team focused on the initiation phase of protein synthesis to understand how certain genetic mutations occur.”
Usage
Commonly used in biochemistry and polymer chemistry to describe the start of a chain reaction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Doctor Ternhamar concluded: "In individuals developing type 2 diabetes, statins were associated with a lower risk of dementia, most pronounced in those with early initiation.” “But his vampire family still don’t know he’s actually a human and they want him to pass his initiation ceremony in front of the whole community of Katchem-By-the-Throat.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French initiation, from Latin initiātiō. Morphologically initiate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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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