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

Wherever the blame is ascribed for Whitehall’s deficiencies, the frustration is beginning to spill into public view.

From BBC

Like Jen said, that was the big conversation we had in the beginning, is how close should we be and how comfortable will we allow ourselves to get?

From Los Angeles Times

Two months later in Disney Hall, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted the Colburn Orchestra in a fiery yet eloquent performance of Sibelius’ Second Symphony, which was written at the beginning of the 20th century, when Finland was seeking cultural independence from Russia.

From Los Angeles Times

Southwest flight attendants “will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet beginning Dec. 4. The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our Crew Members and Customers,” the airline wrote in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Was the opener visualising his New Zealand new beginning?

From BBC

Related Words

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