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English noun: initiate

1. initiate (person) someone new to a field or activity


Synonymsbeginner, novice, tiro, tyro


Broader (hypernym)unskilled person


Narrower (hyponym)abecedarian, apprentice, cub, entrant, fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, landlubber, landsman, learner, lubber, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, prentice, rookie, starter, tenderfoot, trainee

2. initiate (person) someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field


Synonymslearned person, pundit, savant


Broader (hypernym)bookman, scholar, scholarly person, student


Narrower (hyponym)polymath

3. initiate (group) people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity


SamplesIt is very familiar to the initiate.


Synonymsenlightened


Broader (hypernym)people


Antonymsuninitiate


English verb: initiate

1. initiate (creation) bring into being


SamplesHe initiated a new program.
Start a foundation.


Synonymsoriginate, start


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)create, make


Narrower (hyponym)date back, date from, go back, initiate, lead up, set

2. initiate (creation) take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of


SamplesThis South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants.


Synonymspioneer


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)cause, do, make


Narrower (hyponym)activate, actuate, arrange, attempt, constitute, devise, establish, found, get up, innovate, institute, introduce, machinate, mount, organise, organize, plant, prepare, set about, set off, spark, spark off, stage, strike up, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip, undertake

3. initiate (social) accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite


SamplesAfrican men are initiated when they reach puberty.


Synonymsinduct


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Somebody ----s somebody PP


Broader (hypernym)admit, include, let in

4. initiate (communication) bring up a topic for discussion


Synonymsbroach


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)discuss, hash out, talk over


Narrower (hyponym)address, cover, deal, handle, plow, treat

5. initiate (change) set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for


SamplesHitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II.


Synonymslead up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)initiate, originate, start









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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