Inauguration
/ɪˌnɔːɡjəˈreɪʃən/noun
A formal ceremony marking the beginning of a position, institution, or period.
Did you know?Roman augurs interpreted divine approval through birds, making inauguration originally less about public ceremony than ritually authorizing a new beginning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ewg-
“To increase, strengthen, or make greater; a proposed ancestor connected with Latin augur and augere”
Ancient Latin
Latin
augur
“A priest who interpreted divine signs, especially through the behavior and flight of birds”
Ancient Latin
Latin
inaugurare
“To take omens for, consecrate, or install ceremonially under divine signs”
Classical Latin
Latin
inauguratio
“A consecration or installation performed through augury”
Late Latin
Latin
inauguratio
“A religious dedication or formal installation”
15th Century
English
inauguration
“The act or ceremony of formally beginning something, especially entering office”
Modern English
English
inauguration
“A formal ceremony marking a beginning or the assumption of an office”