Commence: meaning, definitions and examples

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commence

[kəˈmens ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

To commence means to begin or start something. It is often used in formal or official contexts.

Word	Description / Examples
commence	This is more formal and often used in official or ceremonial contexts. The graduation ceremony will commence at noon. They will commence the construction of the building next month.
begin	This is used in general situations where you want to mention the start of an action or process in a straightforward and neutral manner. We will begin the meeting at 10 AM. She asked him to begin his homework.
start	This is a versatile term, suitable for most informal or conversational contexts to indicate the beginning of something. We can start the movie now. He decided to start his own business.
initiate	This usually implies initiating something new or complex, often with a sense of formality or technicality. The company plans to initiate a new project next quarter. The doctor initiated a series of tests to diagnose the condition.

The word 'commence' comes from the Old French word 'comencier', which means 'to start'.
It can be traced back to the Latin word 'cominitiare', where 'com-' means 'together' and 'initiare' means 'to begin'.
The term became popular in English around the late 14th century, evolving into its current form.

In classic literature, the phrase 'commence a journey' is often used to symbolize the start of a significant adventure.
Many novels use the act of commencing as a pivotal moment that sets the plot in motion, emphasizing the importance of beginnings.
Prominent authors like J.K. Rowling and Ernest Hemingway often start their stories with the moment of commencement to engage readers effectively.

In academic settings, 'commencement' refers specifically to graduation ceremonies, marking the start of a new chapter for students.
Different cultures have unique ceremonies to signal the beginning of important stages in life, such as marriage or new jobs, echoing the concept of commencing something significant.
In some professional settings, meetings often begin with a phrase like 'let’s commence', indicating a formal start.

In the scientific method, every experiment commences with a question, showcasing the vital role of beginnings in discovery.
Environmental studies often emphasize the importance of commencing conservation efforts to address climate change.
Research projects commonly commence with a thorough review of literature to define their objectives clearly.

At #6,308 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.