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inaugural

inaugural

58 6.5
Relating to the start of something new, like a leader taking office or a first event
  • adjective
  • /ɪˈnɔɡjərəl/
  • Formal
translation icon : inaugural
  • Jimmy Carter emphasized human rights in his inaugural address and raised Shcharansky's case with the Soviet foreign minister.
  • an inaugural address
  • an inaugural speech
  • an inaugural issue

Did you see the inaugural prayer from this pastor Lorenzo Sewell?

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Examples

  • We are extremely pleased to present him with this inaugural award.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Group Material held its inaugural show in 1980 in its community-oriented gallery on the derelict Lower East Side.

    Academic text (2011)
  • We'll need you to give the inaugural speech, though.

  • I was at the inaugural meeting.

  • It's a photograph of the inaugural ceremony.

  • Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the inaugural class of the Ethics of Technological Disruption.

  • All right, guys, welcome to the inaugural episode of Brett and Gabe Neighborhood Reviews.

  • In his convocation address and again in his inaugural address, Edwards stressed the college's commitment to diversity.

    Academic text (1991)
  • "I'm excited to receive this inaugural award," says Ms. Brill. "Kate Gleason was truly a pioneer."

    Academic text (2011)
  • Tonight, she will give her inaugural public reading at the Library of Congress.

Synonyms

first
vsinaugural
1.0

Coming before all others in order, time, or importance

is narrower and used mainly for formal openings of institutions or official events
initial
vsinaugural
599 3.4

Happening at the start of something

is used especially for formal or institutional openings rather than mere early stages
maiden
vsinaugural
4 5.4

Happening for the first time

is reserved for formal or institutional openings rather than simple first occurrences
initiatory
vsinaugural
1 8.4

Having a role that starts a process or event

is used more for formal or ceremonial openings of institutions and events
starting
vsinaugural
1.0

Used at the beginning of an event or activity

is chiefly used for ceremonies or institutional openings rather than casual events

Antonyms

1.0

Last and cannot be changed or reversed

At the end of something that finishes it

Compounds

18 5.9

A formal speech given at the start of an important job, for example by a president

How Initial

inaugural
  • Formal
58 6.5
opening
1.0
initial
599 3.4
preliminary
325 5.2

Surface Forms

inaugural positive

Morphology

inaugural = inaugurate (transparent) = inaugurate + al

A regular adjective formed from the verb 'inaugurate' with the productive suffix '-al', meaning 'relating to an inauguration'.

Etymology

Inaugural comes from a Latin practice of checking 'signs' before starting something, where augurs watched birds to approve the moment. So when something is called inaugural it means it is the first or beginning one.