initiation

USAGE SUMMARY

'initiation' is a word that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a process or activity. For example, "After their initiation, new members of the club were required to attend weekly meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The standard conception is compatible with the claim that intentional actions are initiated by the agent, and proponents of the standard theory have argued that initiation can be explained in terms of causation by the agent's mental states and events.

SEP

Fifa had earlier claimed "Neither the secretary general Jérôme Valcke nor any other member of Fifa's senior management were involved in the initiation, approval and implementation of the project".

The Guardian - Sport

Fifa's statement had said neither Valcke, Blatter's longtime closest ally and fixer, nor the president himself "were involved in the initiation, approval and implementation of the above project".

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke cancels trip to women's World Cup "Neither the Secretary General Jerome Valcke nor any other member of Fifa's senior management were involved in the initiation, approval and implementation of the above project".

The Guardian - Sport

Suggestions included "continuous agreement", "initiation and enthusiasm about what is taking place" and "being of sound and sober enough mind to make a judgement call".

The Guardian

According to the paper, the student was accepted into the club after an initiation ceremony which included burning a £50 note in front of a tramp.

The Guardian

This in-depth, introductory course provides an overview of the data visualisation process, as well as an eye-opening initiation into its potential as a storytelling medium.

The Guardian

Membership is optional, as is initiation - newcomers must face an ordeal of being jumped on, roughed up, and covered in substances, the least offensive of which is likely to be urine.

The Guardian

Lancaster union has banned initiation ceremonies, defined in part as "engaging in public stunts and buffoonery".

The Guardian

And although users are still mainly young, the age of initiation has risen: most first-timers are in their mid-20s, according to a study led by Theodore Cicero of Washington University in St Louis.In this section The great American relapse Back in the pipeline Going their separate ways All aboard!

The Economist

Thousands later desert to escape the notorious initiation of dedovshchina, a kind of "hazing", though that hardly describes beatings and torture so vicious that they kill or maim several hundred new recruits every year.A smaller, all-professional army, say its backers, would be better paid, better prepared and more motivated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initiation", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of beginning or introduction, especially in formal settings or when referring to a specific rite or ceremony.

Common error

Avoid using "initiation" when you actually mean "initiative". "Initiation" refers to the start or introduction of something, while "initiative" refers to a new plan or strategy. For example, say "He took the initiative to solve the problem" not "He took the initiation to solve the problem".

Linguistic Context

The word "initiation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the act of beginning or introducing something, or the process of being initiated. This aligns with Ludwig, which provides examples across various contexts, showing its diverse applicability. It is also used to describe a ceremony or rite of passage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "initiation" is a versatile noun with several closely related meanings referring to beginnings, introductions, or ceremonial admissions. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The related phrases like "beginning", "commencement", and "introduction" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid confusing "initiation" with "initiative". As Ludwig AI confirms, "initiation" is a grammatically sound and widely applicable term, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to consider the formality of your context when employing the word "initiation", as it can range from neutral to formal depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Refers to the start of something, similar to "initiation" but more general.

start

A simple and direct synonym for "initiation", indicating the commencement of an action or process.

commencement

A more formal term for beginning, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

induction

Specifically refers to the formal introduction or admission of someone into a group or organization.

introduction

Highlights the act of making something known or accessible for the first time.

installation

Implies setting something up for use or service, often in a technical or official sense.

establishment

Focuses on the act of founding or creating something, such as an institution or organization.

origination

Emphasizes the point from which something arises or comes into being.

inauguration

Typically refers to the formal ceremony marking the beginning of a term of office or the opening of a new facility.

founding

Specifically relates to the establishment of an organization, institution, or settlement.

FAQs

How is "initiation" used in project management?

In project management, "initiation" refers to the first phase of a project, where the project's objectives, scope, and feasibility are defined.

What is the difference between "induction" and "initiation"?

"Induction" typically refers to formally introducing someone to a new role or organization, while "initiation" can refer to the start of any process or a formal rite of passage.

What are some synonyms for "initiation"?

Synonyms for "initiation" include "beginning", "start", "commencement", and "introduction", depending on the specific context.

Can "initiation" refer to a negative process?

While often used neutrally, "initiation" can describe negative processes, particularly when referring to harsh or violent "initiation rites" within certain groups or organizations.