Finesentence logo

Begin: meaning, definitions and examples

⏳
Add to dictionary

begin

 

[ bɪˈɡɪn ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

start something

To begin means to start something. It is the first step in a process or activity. When you begin something, you are initiating it.

Synonyms

commence, embark, initiate, start

Examples of usage

  • I will begin my homework after dinner.
  • She began her speech by thanking everyone for coming.
  • The movie begins at 7 PM.
  • We need to begin planning for the event now.
  • Let's begin the meeting with a brief introduction.
Context #2 | Noun

the start of something

As a noun, a begin refers to the start or commencement of something. It signifies the initial point in a sequence or process.

Synonyms

commencement, initiation, onset, start

Examples of usage

  • The begin of the race was signaled by the gunshot.
  • Every journey begins with a single step.

Translations

Translations of the word "begin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 começar

🇮🇳 शुरू करना (shuru karna)

🇩🇪 beginnen

🇮🇩 mulai

🇺🇦 почати

🇵🇱 zacząć

🇯🇵 始める (hajimeru)

🇫🇷 commencer

🇪🇸 empezar

🇹🇷 başlamak

🇰🇷 시작하다 (sijak hada)

🇸🇦 يبدأ (yabda)

🇨🇿 začít

🇸🇰 začať

🇨🇳 开始 (kāishǐ)

🇸🇮 začeti

🇮🇸 byrja

🇰🇿 бастау (bastau)

🇬🇪 დაწყება (dats'qeba)

🇦🇿 başlamaq

🇲🇽 empezar

Etymology

The word 'begin' has its origins in the Old English word 'beginnan', which meant 'to attempt'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify the start or commencement of something. The word has been in use for centuries, reflecting the universal human experience of initiating activities and processes.

See also: beginner, beginners, beginning.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,251, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.