initiation
UK[ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃn]US[ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃn]
n
The act of formally admitting someone into a group or organization, often with a special ceremony.
n
The process of causing something to begin.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
iti
ation
in
in, into, on
iti
to go
ation
Etymology
The word 'initiation' originates from the Latin verb 'initiare', meaning "to begin, to enter upon," which itself is derived from 'initium' (a beginning). 'Initium' comes from 'in-' (into) and '-itum', the supine form of 'ire' (to go), literally translating to "a going into." The core logic is one of entering into a new state or process. Over time, this concept of beginning was applied specifically to the ceremonial entry into a group or the secret knowledge of a cult, leading to the modern dual meanings of starting something and the rites associated with joining.
Analysis
Structure: in + iti + ation
- in: Latin origin, meaning "in, into, on". In this word, it functions as a prefix indicating entry or beginning.
- iti: Derived from the Latin root 'it-', the past participle stem of 'ire', meaning "to go". It appears here as a substring of the full root 'initi-'.
- ation: Latin suffix '-ation', used to form nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
The initiation ceremony for the new members will be held at midnight.
The initiation of peace talks brought hope to the region.
His first solo flight marked his initiation into the ranks of experienced pilots.