Initiatories

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The actions or events that serve as an introduction to a particular process, typically involving ceremonies or rituals
2. The beginning steps taken to welcome someone into a group or tradition, often accompanied by significant rites
3. A set of experiences or practices meant to familiarize individuals with a specific tradition or belief system

Etymology: "Initiatories" is the plural of "initiatory," which as a noun names the introductory rites or ceremonies that admit someone into a group, society or mystery. The adjective came first, and the noun grew out of it. The base is "initiate," which comes from the Latin "initiāre," to begin or to admit into the rites, built on "initium," beginning. The "-ory" ending, which marks something connected with or serving a purpose, was added to that stem in English. The Latin root gave English a double sense that persists here: the ceremony is both a start and a formal entry into a closed circle. The plural form "initiatories" describes several such rites, such as those of different orders or societies, taken together.

Synonyms: beginners, novices, newcomers, apprentices, trainees

Antonyms: experts, veterans, masters, professionals, specialists