rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinaugurateOfficial beginning
verb

inaugurate

ih-NAW-gyuh-rayt/ɪˈnɔːɡjəreɪt/

To formally bring something into operation.

City officials inaugurate the new library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Diverse officials cut ribbon to open public library.
Etymology
inLatinin, on
+augurateLatintake omens, predict

Taking omens was part of formally installing someone in ancient Rome. This ceremonial beginning connects the augury root to the modern act of formally introducing or starting something.

In context

TED1:03
what I'd like to inaugurate today is a new way of being an atheist -- if you like, a new version of atheism we could call Atheism 2.0.
Atheism 2.0 | Alain de Botton

More examples

  • The university inaugurates its scholarship program at the annual celebration.
  • The president is inaugurated in January.
  • The treaty inaugurated a new era of cooperation.

Forms

inaugurate · inaugurates · inaugurated · inaugurating

inauguration noun — A ceremony marking an official beginning.

inaugural adjective — Marking the formal beginning of something.

Similar words

launch
Emphasizes starting an activity, not necessarily with official ceremonies.
establish
Emphasizes setting something up rather than marking its official start.
induct
Specifically means formally admitting someone to office or membership.