Etymology Map
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Initiate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to cause to begin

Where does the word "initiate" come from? It comes from Latin initiare, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
initiare
Latin · ancient
"to begin, admit to rites"
from 'initium', beginning
2
Stage 2 of 2
initiate
English · 1600s
"to admit to rites"
'initial' shares the root
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Read the full story

Initiate’s story begins in Latin: initiare meant “to begin, admit to rites.” From 'initium', beginning. It reached English by 1600s as initiate. 'initial' shares the root. Today, initiate means to cause to begin.