inaugural
/ɪˈnɔːɡjʊr(ə)l
/adjective [attributive]
Marking the beginning of an institution, activity, or period of office: his inaugural concert as Music Director...
- It was the best Democratic speech since FDR's first inaugural address.
- Then he devoted his entire inaugural address to that subject.
- He now faces a new challenge of explaining his vision to the country and to the world in his second inaugural address.
Synonyms
first, initial, introductory, initiatory, launching;
opening, maiden;
dedicatory
noun
An inaugural speech, especially one made by an incoming US president: President Clinton’s inaugural...
- One criticism of the president's inaugural is that it was a nice speech, but that his credibility is zero: no one believes anything he says.
- It was a departure from the usual - different from the usual clichéd inaugurals.
- You helped draft President Clinton's second inaugural, is that right?
Origin
Late 17th century: from French (from inaugurer 'inaugurate', from Latin inaugurare) + -al.
This is the adoption of a French word coming from Latin inaugurare ‘take omens from the flight of birds’. See auspicious