'initiate' synonym for 'start'

No.

Hi Rover,
What about these ones?
Switch on, turn on, turn the key in the ignition.
Maybe an appropriate definition would be: if you start a car it begins to work. Right?

TS

Thinking SpainMaybe an appropriate definition would be: if you start a car it begins to work. Right?

No, If you start a car, the engine begins to run.

Hi fivejedjon,
Thanks for your reply. But it is more an example than a definition, isn't it?

TS

Thinking SpainBut it is more an example than a definition, isn't it?

No more, or less, than yours.

fivejedjonNo more, or less, than yours.

Hi fivejedjon,
OK. Then, is there a synonym for 'start' in that context?

TS

Thinking SpainWould 'initiate' be an appropriate synonym for 'start' in the following sentence?
May I come into the car and start the engine?

No. 'initiate' won't work. 'start' means something more like 'activate' in this context. 'activate' or 'set in motion'.

But then you wouldn't use those synonyms in the sentence itself. Nobody is going to

CalifJimBut then you wouldn't use those synonyms in the sentence itself. Nobody is going to ask to get into a car and "activate its engine" or "set its engine in motion". So even though these have a similar meaning, they are not appropriate in style.

Hi Jim,
Thanks a lot for your help.
I won't use 'activate' in a sentence, it is just to use it to expla