begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable.

Grammar Begin or start? We can use the verbs begin and start to mean the same thing but begin is more formal than start. Begin is an irregular verb. Its past simple form is began and its -ed …

If you say that you cannot begin to imagine, understand, or explain something, you are emphasizing that it is almost impossible to explain, understand, or imagine.

start – begin 1. used with noun phrases If you start or begin something, you do it from a particular time. There is no difference in meaning. My father started work when he was fourteen. We'll …

Dec 26, 2025 · begin (third-person singular simple present begins, present participle beginning, simple past began, past participle begun) (ergative) To start, to initiate or take the first step …

Begin, commence, initiate, start (when followed by noun or gerund) refer to setting into motion or progress something that continues for some time. Begin is the common term: to begin knitting …

BEGIN meaning: 1 : to do the first part of an action to start doing something; 2 : to start to work on, produce, or give attention to (something)

Definition of begin verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The president begins talks with the prime minister tonight. begin to do something She began to feel a sense of panic. begin doing something I began teaching in 1984. see thesaurus at start …

BEGIN definition: to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start. See examples of begin used in a sentence.