begin

¹

[bih-gin]

verb (used without object)

began, begun, beginning. 

1. to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start.

   The story begins with their marriage.

   Antonyms: end

2. to come into existence; arise; originate.

   The custom began during the Civil War.

verb (used with object)

began, begun, beginning. 

1. to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of (some action).

   Begin the job tomorrow.

2. to originate; be the originator of.

   civic leaders who began the reform movement.

   Synonyms: initiate, inaugurate, institute

3. to succeed to the slightest extent in (followed by an infinitive).

   The money won't even begin to cover expenses.

Begin

²

[bey-gin]

noun

1. Menachem 1913–92, Israeli political leader, born in Poland: prime minister 1977–83; Nobel Peace Prize 1978.

begin

¹

/ bɪˈɡɪn /

verb

1. to start or cause to start (something or to do something)

2. to bring or come into being for the first time; arise or originate

3. to start to say or speak

4. (used with a negative) to have the least capacity (to do something)

   he couldn't begin to compete with her

5. in the first place

Begin

²

/ ˈbɛɡɪn /

noun

1. Menachem (məˈnɑːkɪm). 1913–92, Israeli statesman, born in Poland. In Palestine after 1942, he became a leader of the militant Zionists; prime minister of Israel (1977–83); Nobel peace prize jointly with Sadat 1978. In 1979 he concluded the Camp David treaty with Anwar Sadat of Egypt

Word History and Origins

Origin of begin¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English beginnen, Old English beginnan, equivalent to be- be- + -ginnan “to begin,” perhaps originally “to open,” akin to yawn

Word History and Origins

Origin of begin¹

Old English beginnan ; related to Old High German biginnan , Gothic duginnan

Idioms and Phrases

• (begin to) see the light
• charity begins at home
• to start (begin) with

Synonym Study

Begin, commence, initiate, start (when followed by noun or gerund) refer to setting into motion or progress something that continues for some time. Begin is the common term: to begin knitting a sweater. Commence is a more formal word, often suggesting a more prolonged or elaborate beginning: to commence proceedings in court. Initiate implies an active and often ingenious first act in a new field: to initiate a new procedure. Start means to make a first move or to set out on a course of action: to start paving a street.

Example Sentences

Although the gallery itself filled up quickly, growing warm and pupusa-scented, the energy was one of excitement and anticipation for people’s favorite authors and for a new beginning in the L.A. writers world.

From Los Angeles Times

When she finally was moved up, the lawsuit said, rumors began circulating within the department that she’d been promoted because she brought her baby to a department workshop to “evoke sympathy.”

From Los Angeles Times

His ban began on 20 September 2024 - the date of his third whereabouts failure - and will conclude on 20 March 2026, four months before he turns 39.

From BBC

The heavy snowfall began on Friday evening, intensifying over the weekend, catching mountain guides off guard.

From BBC

The British number one will soon begin preparations in earnest for next season, having only been able to play one singles match since Wimbledon because of bone bruising in his left arm.

From BBC

Related Words

• commence 
• create 
• do 
• establish 
• found 
• go ahead 
• go into 
• inaugurate 
• initiate 
• introduce 
• launch 
• lead 
• make 
• open 
• prepare 
• produce 
• set up 
• start 
• undertake