beginning

[ bih-gin-ing ]

noun

1. an act or circumstance of entering upon an action or state:

   the beginning of hostilities.

   Synonyms: inception, inauguration, initiation

   Antonyms: ending

2. the point of time or space at which anything begins:

   the beginning of the Christian era; the beginning of the route.

   Synonyms: emergence, onset, outset, commencement, start

   Antonyms: end

3. the first part:

   the beginning of the book; the beginning of the month.

4. Often beginnings. the initial stage or part of anything:

   the beginnings of science.

5. origin; source; first cause:

   A misunderstanding about the rent was the beginning of their quarrel.

adjective

1. just formed:

   a beginning company.

2. first; opening:

   the beginning chapters of a book.

3. basic or introductory:

   beginning Spanish.

4. learning the fundamentals:

   a beginning swimmer.

beginning

/ bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. a start; commencement
2. often plural a first or early part or stage
3. the place where or time when something starts
4. an origin; source

Word History and Origins

Origin of beginning¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, beginning is from the Middle English word beginnung, begonning. See begin, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

I just recently rewatched all six Star Wars movies the other day… Oh wow, from the beginning?

From The Daily Beast

The various members met for the first time when they traveled to Gambia at the beginning of December to carry out their plan.

From The Daily Beast

The idea that January 1st initiates a period of new beginning is not a flash of Hallmark brilliance.

From The Daily Beast

And the authorities also worry that the December fires are just the beginning.

From The Daily Beast

He encountered struggles that many foreign newcomers face upon beginning a new life in America.

From The Daily Beast

To fill up the time till Liszt came, our hostess made us play, one after the other, beginning with the latest arrival.

From Project Gutenberg

"I verily believe they're gone to look at my button," cried Davy, beginning to laugh, in spite of his fears.

From Project Gutenberg

Beginning with single twigs and working over them patiently she at length painted whole trees, and later animals.

From Project Gutenberg

It mounted straight as a plume for a little way, until it met the cool air of evening which was beginning to fall.

From Project Gutenberg

The conclusion is reached that, despite these drawbacks, the Jesuit mission in Canada has made a hopeful beginning.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• birth
• creation
• dawn
• inauguration
• inception
• introduction
• onset
• opening
• outset
• starting point
• top