inaugural

Inaugural is an adjective used to describe something that marks the beginning of a series or the first occurrence of something. It is commonly applied to formal events such as an inaugural ceremony, an inaugural address, or an inaugural voyage, as well as to the first edition or issue of a publication. The term can also refer to the start of a political term or the early history of an organization.

Etymology and origins: The word derives from Latin inaugurare, meaning to install in office or to declare by public rites. Historically, inaugurations were associated with ceremonial acts that signified the official beginning or installation of a leader or institution.

Usage: In modern English, inaugural is typically reserved for formal or ceremonial contexts. It is often paired with nouns like ceremony, address, voyage, season, or edition. For example, one might speak of the inaugural address given by a president or the inaugural edition of a magazine. In casual language, the word opening is more common, though not always a precise substitute for the ceremonial sense conveyed by inaugural.

Noun form: The related noun inauguration denotes the act or ceremony of inaugurating, or the installation itself. The word inaugural can occasionally function as a nominal modifier in fixed phrases, such as “the inaugural,” but the more common noun usage is inauguration.

See also: Inauguration, opening ceremony, first edition, firsting.