initiation
/ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən/ (ame, mw)
initiation — noun
- initiationsingular
- initiationsplural
1. the point in time when a process, event, or period first begins to happen or be
the point in time when a process, event, or period first begins to happen or be done.
The initiation of the railway project was delayed by the winter storms.
collocation: initiation of [project/process]
At the initiation of the trial, the judge read the charges aloud.
temporal marker: at the initiation of [event]
The research team recorded the exact initiation of the chemical reaction.
Both companies signed the agreement to mark the initiation of their partnership.
- start
less formal; used in everyday speech and writing
- beginning
neutral register; broader in use than initiation
- commencement
more formal; common in official and academic settings
- conclusion
the formal end point of a process
- termination
emphasises that something has been stopped or ended
文法句型
the initiation of [something]
at the initiation of [event]
[verb] the initiation of [something]
用法筆記
Frequently used in formal or technical contexts (legal, scientific, business) to refer to the first stage of a plan, process, or event. For everyday beginnings, 'start' or 'beginning' are more common.
常見錯誤
2. the act or process of introducing someone to a new activity, skill, or area of k
the act or process of introducing someone to a new activity, skill, or area of knowledge for the first time, typically through an initial period of instruction or experience.
The weekend workshop was Ling's initiation into the world of digital photography.
collocation: initiation into [world/field]
New employees attend a two-week initiation program to learn the company software.
noun compound: initiation program
His initiation into competitive swimming began with five daily morning laps.
The training coordinator designed an initiation course for the summer interns.
- introduction
less formal; can be a brief encounter rather than a structured process
- induction
commonly used in workplace or academic settings for onboarding
- grounding
emphasises the foundational knowledge gained
- exclusion
the state of being left out of an activity or group
文法句型
initiation into [activity/skill]
[possessive] initiation into [world/field]
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'into' to specify the activity or field. Unlike sense 3, this sense does not imply a formal ceremony — it refers simply to the first learning experience.
常見錯誤
3. a formal event or set of traditional actions through which a person is officiall
a formal event or set of traditional actions through which a person is officially welcomed into a group, society, or organisation as a full member.
The fraternity held its initiation ceremony in the university chapel.
collocation: initiation ceremony
After the initiation, each new member received a carved wooden badge.
temporal: after the initiation
The elders performed the traditional initiation for the young men of the village.
New recruits must undergo a week-long initiation before joining the society.
- induction
more common in professional and academic organisations; less ritualistic
- installation
specifically for formal appointment to an official position or role
- rite of passage
broader: marks a life transition, not just group membership
- expulsion
the formal removal of someone from a group
- excommunication
formal exclusion from a religious or tightly-knit community
文法句型
initiation ceremony
initiation ritual
undergo initiation
[group] performs an initiation
用法筆記
Often refers to group-specific customs that may include pledges, tests, or symbolic acts. In modern contexts, 'orientation' or 'induction' is preferred in corporate settings; 'initiation' carries a more traditional or secret-society tone.
常見錯誤
4. the special understanding or deep knowledge of a subject, activity, or group tha
the special understanding or deep knowledge of a subject, activity, or group that comes from personal experience or first-hand involvement rather than from formal study alone.
After years of practice, Elena gained true initiation into the art of calligraphy.
collocation: gain initiation into [art/discipline]
The journalist's initiation in the ways of diplomatic protocol took several postings.
collocation: initiation in the ways of [domain]
His initiation into wine tasting came from years of working at a vineyard.
Only someone with full initiation into the club's traditions could explain the symbols.
- insight
broader; does not necessarily imply first-hand experience over time
- inside knowledge
less formal; often used in business or investigative contexts
- lore
emphasises traditional knowledge passed within a community
文法句型
initiation into [field/art]
initiation in the ways of [domain]
用法筆記
Less common than the other senses; mostly appears in literary or formal writing. Often follows 'full' or 'true' to emphasise depth. The preposition 'into' introduces the domain of knowledge; 'in the ways of' is a fixed expression.