initiation
ih-nish-ee-AY-shun
/ɪˌnɪʃiˈeɪʃn/
The formal action or ceremony of admitting someone into a secret, private, or official society or group.
Focuses on the ritual milestone that formally transitions a candidate into full active membership status.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'initium' (beginning), this term originally referred to entering sacred mysteries in ancient Rome. It evolved into English usage to mark the commencement of membership in restricted orders.
Word relationships
- induction: Induction is a general word for formal entry into an organization or hall of fame, whereas initiation emphasizes formal ritual transitions.
- expulsion: Expulsion is the official removal or banishment of a member from an organization.
Commonly confused with
- Induction: Induction places a candidate into office or position, while initiation frequently involves traditional secret rituals or tests.
Word family
- initiate (verb): To admit someone into a group with formal rites, or to begin something.
- initiatory (adjective): Relating to or serving as an initiation.
Collocations
- initiation ceremony
- undergo initiation
- initiation ritual
- formal initiation
Example sentences
- "After completing their pledge semester, the candidates took part in the initiation ceremony to become active brothers." Fraternity rituals
- "The annual weekend retreat serves as an initiation ritual for all newly hired executives." Corporate culture
Memory hook
INITIAL means first step; INITIATION is the first formal ceremony of full entry. Ritual beginning of membership
When not to use
Do not use for informal social introductions or ordinary, non-ceremonial group arrivals.
Fun facts
- Greek-letter initiation rites are kept strictly secret by members, a legacy stemming from early college societies where secret meetings protected political freedom.
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