commencement

[kuh-mens-muhnt]

noun

1. an act or instance of commencing; beginning.

   the commencement of hostilities.

2. the ceremony of conferring degrees or granting diplomas at the end of the academic year.

3. the day on which this ceremony takes place.

commencement

/ kəˈmɛnsmənt /

noun

1. the beginning; start

2. 1. a ceremony for the presentation of awards at secondary schools

   2. a ceremony for the conferment of academic degrees

Other Word Forms

• noncommencement noun
• recommencement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commencement¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French; equivalent to commence + -ment

Example Sentences

He once delivered 15 commencement addresses in nine days.

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He then called on civilian and military agencies to study the issue and submit “proposals on the possible commencement of work on preparations for nuclear weapons tests.”

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Both positions will take effect from the planned business commencement on April 1, they said.

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After graduating at the top of his class, and earning his master of architecture degree a year early, Naidorf skipped his commencement ceremony to interview at powerhouse architecture firm Welton Becket and Associates.

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Huang has said in public comments, including commencement speeches, that adversity can help people become better leaders.

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Related Words

• convocation 
• dawning 
• graduation 
• initiation 
• kickoff 
• onset 
• outset