inaugurate

Where does the word "inaugurate" come from? It comes from Latin inaugurare, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Inaugurate’s story begins in Latin: inaugurare meant “to take omens.” 'in-' plus 'augurare', to act as an augur. Within Latin, it grew into inauguratus by ancient. Past participle; officials were installed once the bird omens were read. It reached English by 1600s as inaugurate. US presidential inaugurations date from 1789. Today, inaugurate means to begin formally; to install in office.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient inaugurare "to take omens", 'in-' plus 'augurare', to act as an augur.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient inauguratus "installed after augury", past participle; officials were installed once the bird omens were read.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s inaugurate "to consecrate by omen", US presidential inaugurations date from 1789.