iniziatori

Iniziatori is the plural of iniziatore and designates individuals who initiate others into a practice, organization, or way of thinking, or who originate a project, movement, or institution. The term can indicate founders, promoters, or pioneers.

The word derives from the verb iniziare (to begin or initiate), which itself comes from inizio (beginning), ultimately tracing to Latin initium. In Italian, iniziatore conveys the sense of bringing something into existence or introducing someone to a field or practice.

Contexts vary: in science, culture, or social history, iniziatori are the early figures who introduce a discipline or movement, for example "gli iniziatori della chimica moderna." In religious or esoteric contexts, an iniziatore is the guide who administers initiation rites; the person undergoing the rite is called the iniziato. In business and technology, the term can refer to founders or early promoters of startups and innovations.

Usage notes: the term is relatively formal and more common in written Italian. In everyday speech, one might use more specific terms such as fondatore, pioniere, or promotore depending on the intended nuance. The plural form emphasizes the initiating role and the act of starting something new.