Begin

Quick meaning: Begin is a verb meaning (ergative) To start, to initiate or take the first step into something.

Meaning

(ergative) To start, to initiate or take the first step into something.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) To come into existence.
2. (nonstandard) Beginning; start.

Example Sentences

The program begins at 9 o’clock on the dot.

I began playing the piano at the age of five.

Now that everyone is here, we should begin the presentation.

I rushed to get to class on time, but the lesson had already begun.

Word Forms

• begins
• beginning
• began
• begun
• beginnest
• beganst
• begannest
• beginneth

Synonyms for begin

Depending on context, synonyms include commence, go, inchoate, initiate, open, issue.

Antonyms for begin

Common opposites include end, terminate, cease, finish.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include commence, start, get, start up, lead off, starting.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

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