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Begin: meaning, definitions and examples

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begin

 

[bɪˈɡɪn ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
begin

Use in both formal and informal settings to indicate the initiation of an action or process.

  • The meeting will begin at 10 AM
  • She began to cry after hearing the news
start

Used in both formal and informal settings, widely applicable to indicate the beginning of almost anything.

  • Let's start the meeting
  • He started to feel better after taking the medicine
commence

Preferably used in formal contexts to mark the start of an event, process, or period.

  • The ceremony will commence at noon
  • Construction is set to commence next week
initiate

Often used in technical or formal contexts to indicate the start of a system, project, or procedure.

  • The company will initiate a new training program
  • They initiated the launch sequence successfully
embark

Used when starting a journey, project, or new phase in life, often with a sense of adventure or risk.

  • They embarked on a road trip across the country
  • She decided to embark on a career in medicine

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
begin

Used in formal and informal situations to indicate the start of an action or event.

  • We will begin the meeting at 10 a
  • m
  • ; She began her journey last week
start

Widely used in both informal and formal contexts to indicate the beginning of any activity or process. It is the most common and versatile term among the group.

  • Let's start the game; They decided to start a new business
commencement

Often used in formal contexts, especially in reference to ceremonies like graduation.

  • The commencement ceremony will take place in May; The commencement of the project was delayed
onset

Typically used to describe the beginning of something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a disease or problem.

  • The onset of winter brought heavy snow; The onset of the disease was sudden and unexpected
initiation

Used to describe the action of starting something, often complex or formal processes. It can also refer to the admission into a group or society.

  • The initiation of the new system took several months; He went through a tough initiation process to join the club

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'beginnan', meaning to start or commence.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language, suggesting a long history of use across different cultures.
  • Initially, the term had a more specific focus on the act of beginning a task or action.

Literature

  • Many famous works start with the word 'begin', setting a tone for adventure or discovery.
  • The phrase ‘In the beginning’ in the Bible symbolizes the onset of time and the universe’s creation.
  • Writers often emphasize new beginnings as a theme, portraying characters taking risks and exploring the unknown.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often explore themes of new beginnings, portraying fresh starts and opportunities.
  • Popular phrases like 'You have to begin somewhere' motivate audiences to take action in their lives.
  • Television shows often depict characters starting new chapters, reflecting real-life transitions and growth.

Psychology

  • Starting a new project can trigger emotions of excitement or fear, demonstrating the complex nature of beginnings.
  • Research shows that people are more likely to commit to a long-term goal when they perceive a strong 'beginning' moment.
  • The 'Fresh Start Effect' suggests that people feel more motivated to pursue goals after significant life events or new beginnings.

History

  • Historical events are often marked by 'beginnings', like the founding of nations or the initiation of revolutions.
  • The concept of 'beginning' is significant in various cultures, often celebrated in festivals symbolizing new agricultural seasons.
  • Many revolutionary movements have claimed to 'begin' anew, advocating for change and progress.

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

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.