Began Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
began
[bษชหษกรฆn ]
Definition
past tense
Began is the simple past tense of the verb 'begin'. It indicates that an action started at a specific time in the past and is no longer in progress. This verb is commonly used to describe the initiation of various activities or events.
Synonyms
commenced, initiated, launched, started.
Examples of usage
- She began her career as a teacher.
- The meeting began at 10 AM.
- He began to understand the topic better after the lecture.
- They began construction on the new building last year.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many famous stories start with 'once upon a time', setting the stage for what 'began' next.
- In poetry, the concept of beginning is often explored, with works reflecting on how important starting points can shape the narrative.
- 'Began' appears in many famous quotes and significant works, indicating the moment significant events unfold.
Psychology
- Research shows that the way we begin tasks affects our motivation; starting strong can lead to higher success rates.
- The 'Zeigarnik effect' suggests that people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones, highlighting the importance of beginnings.
- Studies indicate that a positive start in experiences, such as a class or a project, increases engagement and satisfaction.
Pop Culture
- Many songs reflect on beginnings, using 'began' in lyrics to evoke nostalgia for initial moments in relationships.
- Films often use 'began' in key dialogues to mark turning points in characters' journeys.
- Reality shows frequently start episodes with the phrase 'It all began when...', setting up dramatic storytelling.
Science
- The scientific method always begins with a question, emphasizing the importance of starting to explore.
- Astronomy discusses the Big Bang as the beginning of the universe, a foundational moment in cosmic history.
- In biology, the beginning of life forms is studied, exploring how simple cells began to evolve into complex organisms.
Origin of 'began'
Main points about word origin
- The word has its roots in the Old English 'beginnan', meaning to start or initiate.
- Related words in other languages show its widespread use, like 'comenzar' in Spanish and 'commencer' in French, all indicating a start.
- Interestingly, the prefix 'be-' in this context often intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the act of starting.
The word 'began' traces its roots back to the Old English 'beginnan', which means 'to begin, to commence'. This term is further derived from Proto-Germanic *gฤno-, which relates to the concept of starting or opening. Over time, 'beginnan' evolved in various Germanic languages, leading to similar words in Dutch ('beginnen') and German ('beginnen'). The transformation into 'began' represents a natural linguistic evolution as English transitioned from Old to Middle and Modern English. The usage of 'began' is prevalent in English literature and conversation, as it plays a critical role in grammatical structures that require the past tense. Its frequency in spoken and written English reflects its importance in conveying the timing of actions.