commence

American  

[kuh-mens] / kəˈmɛns /

verb (used with or without object)

commenced, commencing

1. to begin; start.

   Synonyms:

   originate, initiate, inaugurate

---

commence British  

/ kəˈmɛns /

verb

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

---

Related Words

See begin.

Other Word Forms

• commenceable adjective
• commencer noun
• recommence verb

Etymology

Origin of commence

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

Example Sentences

"The business will now commence trading in administration managed by FRP Advisory as they seek to continue discussions with interested parties regarding a sale of some or all of the business and its brands."

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“If the requested relief is not granted, the harm to the public and to competition in the market for broadcast television licensing would commence immediately,” the states said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

I’m happy to report we’ll commence shooting season three this summer, and that a rising tide has indeed lifted all boats in season one under the 3.0 tax program,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Allowing Summers to commence a dignified retirement while continuing to hold honorifics risks signaling that there are ultimately few consequences at the very top in higher education.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

We left Base Camp at 4:30 a.m. on May 6 to commence our summit bid.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• begin
• inaugurate
• initiate
• launch
• take up