Initiation
/ɪˌnɪʃ.iˈeɪ.ʃən/noun
The act of beginning something or being admitted into a group, activity, or secret tradition.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, initia referred to sacred rites of admission into mystery cults, especially ceremonies connected with secret religious knowledge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁ey-
“To go or walk; the ancient root behind later Latin words for movement and entry.”
Classical Latin
Latin
īre
“To go.”
Classical Latin
Latin
inīre
“To go into, enter, or begin; formed from in- “into” plus īre “to go.””
Classical Latin
Latin
initium
“A beginning, entrance, or introductory rite; also used for sacred mysteries.”
Late Latin
Latin
initiātiō
“An entering, beginning, or admission into religious rites or knowledge.”
15th Century
English
initiation
“The act of beginning or admitting someone into a group, practice, or ceremony.”
Modern English
English
initiation
“A beginning or formal admission, often involving a rite of passage.”