Beginning: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'beginning' to talk about the initial part of something in a general sense.

• The beginning of the book was very intriguing.
• At the beginning of the school year, everything feels new.

Use 'start' in casual conversation or everyday situations to denote the beginning of an activity or process.

• We need to start the meeting right now.
• She was nervous for her first start as a manager.

Use 'commencement' mostly in formal contexts, such as ceremonies or the start of significant events.

• The commencement of the graduation ceremony is at 10 AM.
• We eagerly awaited the commencement of the event.

Use 'onset' to describe the start of something that is usually negative or of a medical condition.

• The quick onset of the illness took everyone by surprise.
• Winter's onset means shorter days and colder nights.

Use this word when talking about the initial part of something, such as an event, story, or period of time.

• The beginning of the movie was very slow.
• She felt nervous at the beginning of her new job.

Use 'start' when referring to the commencement of any action, process, or journey, often emphasizing the initial moment.

• He decided to start running every morning.
• We need a good plan before the start of the project.

Choose 'opening' for talking about the start of something physical or formal, such as a door, a ceremony, or a business.

• The grand opening of the new store attracted a lot of customers.
• She stood at the opening of the cave and peered inside.

This word is best used to describe the part that comes first and provides information, often for the purpose of familiarizing someone with a subject or person.

• The introduction of the book gave a good overview of what to expect.
• During the introduction, the speaker explained the goals of the presentation.

This word is suitable for general use when talking about the start of something, such as an event, a story, or a process.

• They were excited for the beginning of the new school year.
• The beginning of the movie was a bit slow, but it got better.

Often employed in a more scientific or technical context to describe the point where something begins or is derived from.

• The origin of the species was a groundbreaking work by Charles Darwin.
• Researchers are studying the origin of the virus.

This term is commonly used to describe the starting point or place something comes from, often used in journalism, research, finance, and geography.

• The river's source is high in the mountains.
• She always cites her sources in her research papers.

This word is rarely used in everyday conversation and is best suited for historical, religious, or metaphorical contexts to describe the creation or origin of something.

• The genesis of the universe is a topic that fascinates many scientists.
• The book explores the genesis of the civil rights movement.