initium
[ɪˈnɪ.ti.ũː]
The Latin word for "beginning" is initium.
initium refers to the initial portion of some extended thing.
Meaning: initial portion of some extended thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
initium is the singular form, whereas initia is the plural form used for "beginnings" or "beginnings of things".
How does it change in a sentence?
initium is a neuter noun of the second declension. The plural form is initia. If you need to express "by", "from" or "with" the beginning, you use the ablative singular form initio.
Did you know?
- The English word 'initiation', referring to the ritual of admitting someone into a secret group, comes directly from initium. It reflects the idea of 'entering' a new stage of life or knowledge.
- In Latin, the phrase ab initio means 'from the beginning'. This term is still used in modern English legal contracts to describe something that is void or invalid from the very start.
- The plural initia is often used in philosophical Latin texts to describe the 'first principles' or the fundamental elements from which the universe began.
Examples in context
- Hoc initium finis est.This is the beginning of the end.This sentence shows how to describe the start of a conclusion using initium.Tatoeba #11164180 by carlosalberto, translation #11164178 by carlosalberto
- Dubium sapientiae initium.Doubt is the beginning of wisdom.This sentence demonstrates the concept of doubt being the starting point of wisdom using initium.Tatoeba #6387344 by Esperantostern, translation #11117609 by carlosalberto
- Initium est dimidium facti.The beginning is half the deed.
- Origo mundi.The beginning of the world.
- Caput operis.The beginning of the work.
- Inchoatio studiorum.The beginning of studies.
- Exordium sermonis.The beginning of the speech.
- Initium operis est difficile.The beginning of the work is difficult.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new project.
- LuciusUbi est initium operis?Where is the beginning of the work?
- AureliaHic est, Luci.It is here, Lucius.
- LuciusInitium videtur difficile.The beginning seems difficult.
- AureliaIta est, sed possumus.It is so, but we can do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry initium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
