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.

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

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 …

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 definition: To perform or undergo the first part of an action; start.

Begin is typically used when indicating the initial point of a continuous action or the commencement of a more formal or serious event. ' Start,' on the other hand, may imply the …

Feb 10, 2026 · 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 …

To start, to initiate or take the first step into something. 1. To do the first act of any thing; to pass from not doing to doing, by the first act. Ye nymphs of Solyma, begin the song. Alexander …