👉 To begin; to start.

Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! You’ve got a great starting point with that dictionary definition – “to begin” or "to start." But ‘initiated’ is just a little bit more… refined. Think of it like this: when you start something, you might simply turn on a light switch. But to initiate something? It's a little more deliberate, a little more planned. Initiated means to start something formally or purposefully. It suggests a beginning that was carefully considered and set in motion. Let’s use an example: “The team initiated a new project.” That doesn't just mean they started working; it means they officially began the project, with a plan and maybe even some steps already decided upon! It can also imply that something was brought into being – like "She initiated a change in policy." Does that make sense? Do you want me to give you another example, or perhaps break it down further using a rhyme?

👉 In the world of language and culture, there's a term that can be used to describe something as "initial." It's like how you might say "I started doing this when I was 5 years old" if someone were to ask about your childhood, but in a more playful way! Here’s an example sentence:

"I've never heard of 'initiated' before. Can you tell me what it means? Or maybe we should just go with the definition I gave you earlier and call it 'initial initiation.' Like, it's like when a person is taken out for their first date or gets a gift from your mom on Christmas Day." This playful twist helps to keep things light-hearted and not take themselves too seriously. It also highlights the idea that certain words can be more meaningful than they seem at first glance, even if they're technically "initial."