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

"In the last two days we brought down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City," he said in a video.

From BBC

“Hamilton” tells the story of the Founding Father, beginning before the Revolutionary War and ending with his untimely death at the hands of Jefferson’s vice president, Burr, during an early-morning duel in New Jersey.

From Los Angeles Times

After a randomized selection process, successful applicants will be given a date and time to purchase tickets beginning Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Dallas, however, went on a 19-2 run at the beginning of the third quarter and managed to briefly lead twice.

From Los Angeles Times

It might still be iced-coffee weather in Los Angeles, but much of coastal California could see thick fog, chilly breezes and even scattered showers this week as temperatures fall across the state, beginning Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• birth 
• creation 
• dawn 
• inauguration 
• inception 
• introduction 
• onset 
• opening 
• outset 
• starting point www.thesaurus.com
• top 

When To Use

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.