initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
Examples
In a meeting
“I'll initiate the vendor review process this week.”
Over coffee
“Someone needs to initiate the group chat for the trip.”
Why this word
start
initiate implies formal or deliberate beginning of a process, while start is informal and general
begin
initiate suggests taking the first steps in a complex process, while begin is simpler and less formal
launch
initiate emphasizes the formal act of starting, while launch suggests publicizing or introducing something
Usage tip
More formal and deliberate than 'start'. Implies taking the first step in a structured process.
Etymology
Latin initiare — initium (beginning), from inire (to go in) — in (into) + ire (to go)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
implement
To put a plan, decision, or agreement into action.
proceed
To continue with a course of action
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main part or event; initial.