commence

[kuh-mens]

verb (used with or without object)

commenced, commencing 

1. to begin; start.

   Synonyms: originate, initiate, inaugurate

commence

/ kəˈmɛns /

verb

1. to start or begin; come or cause to come into being, operation, etc

Other Word Forms

• commencer noun
• commenceable adjective
• recommence verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English commencen, from Anglo-French, Middle French comencer, from unrecorded Vulgar Latin cominitiāre, equivalent to Latin com- com- + initiāre “to begin”; initiate

Word History and Origins

Origin of commence¹

C14: from Old French comencer, from Vulgar Latin cominitiāre (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + initiāre to begin, from initium a beginning

Synonym Study

See begin.

Example Sentences

Israel's Defense Forces have completed the first phase of their withdrawal from Gaza, commencing the 72-hour period for the hostages' release, a top White House envoy said Friday, citing the Pentagon.

Read more on Barron's

A police investigation into the causes of the tragedy and those responsible will commence once the rescue operation has been concluded, said Suharyanto, who heads the National Search and Rescue Agency.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Crank up the Benny Hill theme song and let the belly laughs commence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But major challenges are expected as operations commence in the coming months.

Read more on BBC

Skipper said coaches have commenced a deep dive into the roster to search for players who could provide additional help after the team struggled so mightily in its first three games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• begin 
• inaugurate 
• initiate 
• launch 
• take up