beginning

American  

[bih-gin-ing] / bɪˈgɪn ɪŋ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Usage

Spelling tips for beginning The word beginning is hard to spell for two reasons. It doesn't simply combine the base word (begin) with the suffix -ing, as is done in other easy-to-remember words that end in -ing, like starting and talking. Also, it can be tempting to use a double g (beggining) instead of a double n. How to spell beginning: To spell beginning, you take the base word begin and add an n at the end. Then, add the suffix -ing. Why do you need an extra n? Because you should begin right Now.

Etymology

Origin of beginning

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

Example Sentences

A third turning point near age 66 marks the beginning of an "early aging" phase, while the final "late aging" stage emerges around age 83.

From Science Daily

Solo EV drivers using California carpool lanes will face ticketing beginning Monday as the perk disappears.

From Los Angeles Times

The Labour MP said the process had been "flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end".

From BBC

Friday’s draw will be televised live on Fox beginning with a pre-draw show at 8:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Film crews rolled into Knaresborough at the beginning of the year for the making of Sky Original movie Tinsel Town, which also stars actress Rebel Wilson and EastEnders' actor Danny Dyer.

From BBC

Related Words

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