English pronunciation · Words Starting with I
Initiate Pronunciation
Initiate is pronounced i-NI-shee-ayt, IPA /ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪt/.
i-NI-shee-ayt
US /ˌɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪt/
Syllables: i · NI · shee · ayt (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
verb; also a noun: To start a process, or to admit someone formally into a group.
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Initiate in a Sentence
- The bank will initiate the transfer this afternoon.
- Only a judge can initiate those proceedings.
- They initiate new members every spring.
Common Mispronunciations of Initiate
Not i-NI-tee-ayt
The ti block gives sh, so the third beat is shee. Initial and initiative do the same thing.
Not IN-i-shee-ayt
NI is the loud beat and the opening i is almost swallowed.
Tip: The verb ends in a clear ayt and the noun, an initiate, softens it to uht.
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