This is the 1365th most frequent Portuguese word.
iniciou
"Started" or "began."
Here, 'iniciou' is used as the simple past tense of the verb 'iniciar', meaning 'to start' or 'to initiate'.
Ele iniciou o projeto com grande entusiasmo.
He started the project with great enthusiasm.
In this sentence, 'iniciou' is used in reference to the beginning of an academic activity.
Ela iniciou o curso na semana passada.
She started the course last week.
Here, 'iniciou' describes an automated action in the past.