Launch vs. Inauguration — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 11, 2024
"Launch" refers to the act of starting something, typically a product or service, while "Inauguration" is the formal introduction or initiation of a significant event or position.
Difference Between Launch and Inauguration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Launch" is used to describe the act of introducing a new product, service, or initiative to the public, signifying the beginning of its availability, whereas "Inauguration" denotes a formal ceremony or event marking the beginning of a significant venture or term of office.
The term "Launch" is often associated with commercial or technological contexts, like launching a new smartphone, whereas "Inauguration" is more commonly used in governmental or institutional settings, such as the inauguration of a president.
"Launch" implies the act of making something operational or available, like a spacecraft launch, while "Inauguration" involves a ceremonial aspect, often with symbolic gestures like ribbon-cutting.
In a "Launch," the focus is on the product or service being introduced, reflecting a milestone in development or innovation, while "Inauguration" emphasizes the formal beginning of a new phase, position, or structure, underscoring its official or ceremonial significance.
"Launch" can also imply the start of an initiative or campaign, like launching a marketing campaign, whereas "Inauguration" typically marks the commencement of a new era or leadership, like inaugurating a new museum.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Starting something, like a product or service
Formal introduction of an event or position
Context
Commercial, technological, or initiative-based
Governmental, institutional, or ceremonial
Focus
On the object or service being made available
On the ceremony marking a new phase or term
Associated Activities
Presentation, release, or operational start
Ceremony, oath-taking, or symbolic gestures
Usage
Broader, including non-ceremonial contexts
Typically formal and ceremonial
Compare with Definitions
Launch
To send off a spacecraft or missile.
The space agency successfully launched the satellite into orbit.
Inauguration
A formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a significant event.
The inauguration of the new president drew large crowds.
Launch
To initiate a new venture or project.
She's excited to launch her own fashion brand.
Inauguration
A ceremonial event to open a new facility or building.
The museum's inauguration attracted art enthusiasts worldwide.
Launch
To make something available to the public.
The author will launch his latest book at the event.
Inauguration
The formal commencement of an organization or structure.
The inauguration of the bridge was attended by local dignitaries.
Launch
Set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to roll into the water
The town's lifeboat was launched to rescue the fishermen
Inauguration
The act of starting a newly created position or office.
Her inauguration as CEO was a historic moment for the company.
Launch
Start or set in motion (an activity or enterprise)
The government is to launch a £1.25 million publicity campaign
Inauguration
The official introduction of a new system or policy.
The inauguration of the new policy will be next month.
Launch
An act or instance of launching something
The launch of a new campaign against drinking and driving
Inauguration
In government and politics, inauguration is the process of swearing a person into office and thus making that person the incumbent. Such an inauguration commonly occurs through a formal ceremony or special event, which may also include an inaugural address by the new official.
Launch
A large motorboat, used especially for short trips
A police launch halted a small boat
She cruised the waterways on a luxury motor launch
Inauguration
The beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period
The inauguration of an independent prosecution service
Launch
To throw or propel with force; hurl
Launch a spear.
Inauguration
Formal induction into office.
Launch
To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion
Launch a rocket.
Launch a torpedo.
Inauguration
A formal beginning or introduction.
Launch
(Nautical) To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
Inauguration
The act of inaugurating, or inducting into office with solemnity; investiture by appropriate ceremonies.
Launch
To set going; initiate
Launch a career.
Launch a business venture.
Inauguration
The formal beginning or initiation of any movement, enterprise, event etc.
The inauguration of the new bar was a success, with plenty of discounts.
Launch
To introduce to the public or to a market
Launched the new perfume with prime-time commercials on the major networks.
Inauguration
The act of inuagurating, or inducting into office with solemnity; investiture by appropriate ceremonies.
At his regal inauguration, his old father resigned the kingdom to him.
Launch
To give (someone) a start, as in a career or vocation.
Inauguration
The formal beginning or initiation of any movement, course of action, etc.; as, the inauguration of a new system, a new condition, etc.
Launch
To begin a new venture or phase; embark
Launch forth on a dangerous mission.
Launched out on her own after college.
Inauguration
The act of starting a new operation or practice;
He opposed the inauguration of fluoridation
The startup of the new factory was delayed by strikes
Launch
To enter enthusiastically into something; plunge
Launched into a description of the movie.
Inauguration
The ceremonial induction into a position;
The new president obviously enjoyed his inauguration
Launch
The act of launching.
Launch
A large ship's boat.
Launch
A large, open motorboat.
Launch
(transitive) To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
Launch
To pierce with, or as with, a lance.
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land or a larger vessel into the water; to set afloat.
The navy launched another ship.
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a rocket, balloon, etc., or the payload thereof) to begin its flight upward from the ground.
NASA launched several unmanned rockets before launching any of the Mercury astronauts.
Launch
(transitive) To send out; to start (someone) on a mission or project; to give a start to (something); to put in operation
Our business launched a new project.
Launch
To start (a program or feature); to execute or bring into operation.
Double-click an icon to launch the associated application.
Launch
(transitive) To release; to put onto the market for sale
Launch
(intransitive) Of a ship, rocket, balloon, etc.: to depart on a voyage; to take off.
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to begin.
To launch into an argument or discussion
To launch into lavish expenditures
Launch
To start to operate.
After clicking the icon, the application will launch.
Launch
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)
Launch
The act or fact of launching (a ship/vessel, a project, a new book, etc.).
Launch
An event held to celebrate the launch of a ship/vessel, project, a new book, etc.; a launch party.
Product launch
Book launch
Launch
(nautical) The boat of the largest size and/or of most importance belonging to a ship of war, and often called the "captain's boat" or "captain's launch".
Launch
(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yacht.
Launch
(nautical) An open boat of any size powered by steam, petrol, electricity, etc.
Launch
To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
Launch
To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce.
Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
Launch
To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
Launch
To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise.
All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England.
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; - often with out.
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
Launch
The act of launching.
Launch
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built.
Launch
The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.
Launch
A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
Launch
The act of propelling with force
Launch
Set up or found;
She set up a literacy program
Launch
Propel with force;
Launch the space shuttle
Launch a ship
Launch
Launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage;
Launch a ship
Launch
Begin with vigor;
He launched into a long diatribe
She plunged into a dangerous adventure
Launch
Get going; give impetus to;
Launch a career
Her actions set in motion a complicated judicial process
Launch
Smoothen the surface of;
Float plaster
Launch
To start or introduce something new, like a product or service.
The company will launch its new smartphone next week.
Launch
To begin an initiative or campaign.
They launch a new marketing campaign every quarter.
Common Curiosities
Are inaugurations limited to political contexts?
No, inaugurations occur in various contexts, including institutional and cultural events.
Can a person be launched?
No, "launch" usually refers to products, services, or initiatives, not people.
Is a launch always associated with new products?
Primarily, but it can also refer to the start of campaigns or initiatives.
Can "launch" refer to digital products?
Yes, "launch" often refers to the introduction of digital products and services.
Do launches always involve large events?
Not always; some launches can be low-key or digital.
Can non-physical items be launched?
Yes, services, campaigns, and digital platforms can be launched.
What is the purpose of a launch?
The purpose of a launch is to introduce a new product, service, or initiative to the public.
What happens during an inauguration ceremony?
An inauguration ceremony often includes speeches, oath-taking, and symbolic gestures.
Can inaugurations involve entertainment elements?
Yes, inaugurations may include performances and other entertainment elements.
Is an inauguration always a formal event?
Typically, inaugurations are formal events with ceremonial elements.
Are inaugurations public events?
Inaugurations are often public, but they can also be private, depending on the context.
Is an inauguration a recurring event?
Inaugurations typically mark the start of something new and are not recurring.
Is media coverage common in launches?
Yes, media coverage is common in product and service launches.
Can a launch occur online?
Yes, many launches, especially of digital products, occur online.
Does an inauguration need a large audience?
Not necessarily; the size of an inauguration audience varies by event.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
