The word “inaugurate” is commonly used in both formal and everyday English. It means to formally begin introduce or open something often with a ceremony. It is frequently associated with political events building openings and new initiatives.
This topic explains the meaning of “inaugurate” its different usages and how to use it correctly in sentences.
Definition of “Inaugurate”
What Does “Inaugurate” Mean?
The verb “inaugurate” means:
- To officially start or introduce something
- Example: The company inaugurated a new branch in New York.
- To mark the beginning of an era project or policy
- Example: The government inaugurated a new healthcare program.
- To formally introduce a leader into office with a ceremony
- Example: The president was inaugurated in January.
Word Forms
- Noun: Inauguration (the ceremony of inaugurating someone or something)
- Adjective: Inaugural (relating to an inauguration)
How to Use “Inaugurate” in a Sentence
1. Inaugurate in Political Contexts
The most common use of “inaugurate” is in politics when a new leader takes office.
- The newly elected mayor will be inaugurated next Monday.
- The president’s inauguration ceremony attracted thousands of attendees.
- The government inaugurated a new policy to reduce unemployment.
2. Inaugurate in Business and Corporate Settings
The word can also be used when launching new projects businesses or services.
- The CEO inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in the city.
- Our company has inaugurated a customer service center in Europe.
- The inauguration of the new office building was attended by employees and stakeholders.
3. Inaugurate in Public Infrastructure and Events
It is often used when opening buildings museums schools or events.
- The mayor inaugurated a new public library in the downtown area.
- A famous actor was invited to inaugurate the film festival.
- The grand inauguration of the shopping mall attracted thousands of visitors.
4. Inaugurate in a Figurative Sense
“Inaugurate” can also mean to mark the beginning of something new.
- The discovery of electricity inaugurated a new era of technology.
- The athlete’s victory inaugurated a period of dominance in the sport.
- The invention of the internet inaugurated a digital revolution.
Common Mistakes When Using “Inaugurate”
- Incorrect: He was inaugurated as a manager.
- Correction: He was appointed as a manager. (“Inaugurate” is not used for non-formal positions.)
- Incorrect: They inaugurated the party at 7 PM.
- Correction: They started the party at 7 PM. (“Inaugurate” is too formal for casual events.)
- Incorrect: The school will inaugurate a new teacher next week.
- Correction: The school will introduce a new teacher next week. (“Inaugurate” is used for buildings or programs not individual people in regular jobs.)
Practice Sentences
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of “inaugurate”:
- The Prime Minister will ______ the new highway next month.
- The university held an ______ ceremony for its new research center.
- The launch of the smartphone ______ a new era of mobile technology.
- The governor ______ a program to support local farmers.
- The museum’s ______ was attended by historians and art lovers.
Answers:
- inaugurate
- inauguration
- inaugurated
- inaugurated
- inauguration
The word “inaugurate” is a powerful verb used in formal contexts to describe the beginning of something significant such as a new government building or policy. Understanding how to use it correctly enhances both spoken and written communication. By practicing different sentence structures you can confidently use “inaugurate” in the right situations.