[Vocabulary] how to use the 2nd definition of the word, to initiate

[brianbrian]

The online dictionary, www.thefreedictionary.com, gives a few definitions of the word, to initiate.

(1) To set going by taking the first step; begin: (an example from the dictionary) initiated trade with developing nations.

(2) To introduce to a new field, interest, skill, or activity: (an example from the dictionary) initiated the students into the world of opera.

(3) To admit (someone) into membership, as with a ceremony

I am interested in the second meaning of the word. I want to make up a sentence with it.

(ex) Tom is a new employee. To get himself initiated into the new job, he spends a few hours observing how his colleagues do their work.

Am I using the word correctly? Thanks for your explanations.

 

[Roman55]

I would say, no, not quite.

Someone else is needed to initiate Tom into the new job. He isn't going to initiate himself into it.

To say, 'To get himself initiated…' sounds to me as though he's trying to find someone to initiate him, and I don't think that's what you're saying.

Note that the job itself would need to be obscure or difficult for 'initiate' to be appropriate in the first place.